US20020147497A1 - Methods for treating spinal discs - Google Patents

Methods for treating spinal discs Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020147497A1
US20020147497A1 US09/828,039 US82803901A US2002147497A1 US 20020147497 A1 US20020147497 A1 US 20020147497A1 US 82803901 A US82803901 A US 82803901A US 2002147497 A1 US2002147497 A1 US 2002147497A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
bladder
opening
space
fill material
plug
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/828,039
Inventor
William Belef
Stephen Salmon
William Aldrich
Ronald Jabba
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Core Medical Inc
Original Assignee
Integrated Vascular Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Integrated Vascular Systems Inc filed Critical Integrated Vascular Systems Inc
Priority to US09/827,423 priority Critical patent/US20020147479A1/en
Priority to US09/828,039 priority patent/US20020147497A1/en
Priority to US09/827,427 priority patent/US20020147496A1/en
Assigned to INTEGRATED VASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC. reassignment INTEGRATED VASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALDRICH, WILLIAM N., BELEF, WILLIAM MARTIN, JABBA, RONALD J., SALMON, STEPHEN M.
Priority to PCT/US2002/010674 priority patent/WO2002085263A2/en
Assigned to CORE MEDICAL, INC. reassignment CORE MEDICAL, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: INTEGRATED VASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
Publication of US20020147497A1 publication Critical patent/US20020147497A1/en
Priority to US10/692,083 priority patent/US20040083002A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/44Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
    • A61F2/441Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs made of inflatable pockets or chambers filled with fluid, e.g. with hydrogel
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/44Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
    • A61F2/442Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/46Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor
    • A61F2/4603Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof
    • A61F2/4611Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof of spinal prostheses
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1402Probes for open surgery
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1477Needle-like probes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1492Probes or electrodes therefor having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00238Type of minimally invasive operation
    • A61B2017/00261Discectomy
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00434Neural system
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00434Neural system
    • A61B2018/0044Spinal cord
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00505Urinary tract
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B2018/1405Electrodes having a specific shape
    • A61B2018/1425Needle
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/30721Accessories
    • A61F2/30744End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2002/30001Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30003Material related properties of the prosthesis or of a coating on the prosthesis
    • A61F2002/3006Properties of materials and coating materials
    • A61F2002/30062(bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2002/30001Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30003Material related properties of the prosthesis or of a coating on the prosthesis
    • A61F2002/3006Properties of materials and coating materials
    • A61F2002/3008Properties of materials and coating materials radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2002/30001Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30003Material related properties of the prosthesis or of a coating on the prosthesis
    • A61F2002/3006Properties of materials and coating materials
    • A61F2002/30092Properties of materials and coating materials using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2002/30001Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30316The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30329Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2002/30405Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by screwing complementary threads machined on the parts themselves
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2002/30001Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30316The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30535Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30589Sealing means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2002/30001Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30667Features concerning an interaction with the environment or a particular use of the prosthesis
    • A61F2002/30677Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/44Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
    • A61F2/442Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient
    • A61F2002/4435Support means or repair of the natural disc wall, i.e. annulus, e.g. using plates, membranes or meshes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/44Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
    • A61F2/442Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient
    • A61F2002/444Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient for replacing the nucleus pulposus
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/46Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor
    • A61F2/4603Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof
    • A61F2002/4625Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof with relative movement between parts of the instrument during use
    • A61F2002/4627Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof with relative movement between parts of the instrument during use with linear motion along or rotating motion about the instrument axis or the implantation direction, e.g. telescopic, along a guiding rod, screwing inside the instrument
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30Joints
    • A61F2/46Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor
    • A61F2002/465Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor using heating means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2210/00Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2210/0004Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof bioabsorbable
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2210/00Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2210/0014Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2220/00Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2220/0025Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2250/00Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2250/0058Additional features; Implant or prostheses properties not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2250/0096Markers and sensors for detecting a position or changes of a position of an implant, e.g. RF sensors, ultrasound markers
    • A61F2250/0098Markers and sensors for detecting a position or changes of a position of an implant, e.g. RF sensors, ultrasound markers radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2310/00Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
    • A61F2310/00005The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
    • A61F2310/00011Metals or alloys
    • A61F2310/00017Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2310/00Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
    • A61F2310/00005The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
    • A61F2310/00011Metals or alloys
    • A61F2310/00023Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2310/00Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
    • A61F2310/00005The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
    • A61F2310/00365Proteins; Polypeptides; Degradation products thereof

Definitions

  • an apparatus for closing a passage through tissue includes an energy delivery device, a needle, and a syringe.
  • the energy delivery device includes a handle member having a connector on its distal end, the connector including an electrically conductive region.
  • An electrically insulated elongate element extends from the distal that terminates in an uninsulated distal tip.
  • the bladder 12 may substantially fill any voids within the cavity and/or substantially engage any exposed surfaces, e.g., the exposed surfaces of the vertebrae 91 , and/or the inner surface of the annulus fibrosis 92 .
  • the bladder 12 may expand and force the vertebrae 91 further apart from one another and/or adjust their relative position, e.g., to remove stress from the annulus fibrosis 92 .
  • the bladder 12 may facilitate treating a disc that is at least partially collapsed or ruptured and/or treating vertebrae that are out of alignment.
  • the IPN polymer may be preformed into a body that may be inserted into the interior of the disc, or may be injected or otherwise introduced into the interior of the disc and then cured, e.g., by including a catalyst in the injected material, by exposure to heat, moisture, and the like, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the resulting implant may be a substantially permanent replacement for the nucleus pulposus material within the disc or for the entire disc.

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for treating a spinal disc are disclosed. An opening is created in the annulus fibrosis, and nucleus pulposus is removed from the interior of the disc. The interior is lined with a nonporous, bioabsorbable liner, and filled with a fill material, such as nucleus pulposus, to cause the liner to expand to engage tissue surrounding the interior. The liner may be a sheet of extra-cellular matrix material that is introduced into the interior, or a bladder of extra-cellular matrix material including a neck communicating with an interior region of the bladder. The sheet or bladder may be carried by a delivery device, e.g., a catheter or rod. After the interior region is filled, the opening is closed using a plug or other closure device. The plug may include threads on its external surface for securing the plug in the opening.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to treatment of spinal discs, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for treating ruptured or degenerated spinal discs. [0001]
  • BACKGROUND
  • Various apparatus and methods have been suggested for treating spinal discs when they degenerate or otherwise become injured. For example, spinal fixation, i.e., fixing the vertebrae on either side of an injured disc relative to one another, is a commonly used treatment. This may involve inserting pedicle screws or other anchors into the vertebrae, and securing rods, wires, cages, and the like between the vertebrae, thereby substantially removing much of the forces acting on the disc during subsequent activity by the patient. Such fixation procedures, however, may substantially impair free movement by the patient, because relative movement of the vertebrae is intentionally fixed. [0002]
  • As an alternative to fixation, an injured disc may be completely removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Exemplary prosthetic discs and methods for implanting them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,863,477, issued to Monson, 5,123,926, issued to Pisharodi, and 6,146,419, issued to Eaton. [0003]
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,549,679 and 5,571,189, issued to Kuslich, disclose implanting a porous bag into a spinal disc to promote fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. A bore is formed through the annulus fibrosis to gain access to the interior of the annulus. A hollow space is formed within the interior of the annulus that exposes surface areas of the vertebrae on either side of the disc. A porous bag is inserted into the space and filled with finely chopped cancelous bone chips. The bag is formed from a porous fabric or a polymeric material having a plurality of perforations formed therein to promote bone ingrowth into the space and ensure that fusion occurs. [0004]
  • Once the bag is filled to a desired pressure, the inlet to the bag is sealed using a threaded cap, a purse-string closure, a staple, or tying a knot in the bag. A patch is then attached to the exterior of the annulus fibrosis in an attempt to seal the entry passage used to access the interior of the disc. Because of the significant stresses experienced by spinal discs during normal physical activity, however, such patches may not resist the substantial pressure experienced within a spinal disc during normal physical activity. [0005]
  • Thus, similar to fixation, Kuslich merely proposes fusing the adjacent vertebrae on either side of the disc being treated. As with conventional fixation, fusion may substantially impair free movement by the patient after the treated site has healed, and does not restore the spinal disc to an otherwise healthy state that may support normal movement. [0006]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,376, issued to Assell et al., discloses implanting a capsule-shaped prosthetic implant within a spinal disc. The implant is formed from a polymer jacket containing a polymer core, such as hydrogel, that is in a flowable state. Similar to Kuslich, the jacket may be inserted into a space within a spinal disc, and then polymer core may be introduced into the jacket after implantation within the disc. Alternatively, the jacket, already filled with the polymer core, may be implanted within the disc space. The result is a substantially permanent implant that is intended to act as a spacer and cushion. [0007]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,807, issued to Gan et al. discloses implanting “hybrid” material directly within a space created within a spinal disc. The hybrid material includes bioactive glass granules that are intended to promote cell growth and enhance growth of bone cells. The bioactive glass granules may be mixed with other materials, such as invertebral disc cells, such as nucleus pulposus material, growth factors to promote cell growth, and/or polymer materials. Similar to Kuslich, however, the intended result is fusion of the adjacent vertebrae and not restoration of the spinal disc to normal health. [0008]
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,772,287 and 4,904,260, issued to Ray et al., disclose a pair of capsules that may be implanted within a spinal disc. Each capsule has a bladder that may be filled with a fluid including a therapeutic agent. The bladder has a semi-permeable membrane that has a pore size that blocks flow of human cells but permits passage of therapeutic agents slowly through the membrane. [0009]
  • Accordingly, apparatus and methods for treating spinal discs would be considered useful. [0010]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for treating spinal discs. In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes an inflatable bladder including a neck defining an opening communicating with an interior of the bladder. A sealing member may be provided for securing the neck over the distal end of the tubular member and/or for sealing the neck after the bladder is filled. For example, the sealing member may be an elastic ring biased to constrict the neck upon withdrawal of the distal end of the tubular member from within the neck. Preferably, the neck is substantially everted within the interior of the bladder, and the elastic ring is disposed around the everted neck within the interior of the bladder. [0011]
  • In a preferred embodiment, the bladder is formed from bioabsorbable material, e.g., intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa and bladder submucosa. The bladder may also be substantially inelastic material and/or may be substantially nonporous. The bladder may be expandable from a collapsed configuration to facilitate introduction into a spinal disc to an enlarged configuration for filling a cavity created within the spinal disc. Preferably, the bladder generally assumes a disc shape including convex opposing surfaces in the enlarged configuration. [0012]
  • The apparatus may also include a delivery device for delivering the bladder into a spinal disc. The delivery device generally includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end having a size for insertion through an opening into a spinal disc, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The neck of the bladder is detachably connected to the distal end of the tubular member such that the interior of the bladder communicates with the lumen. A source of fill material may be provided, e.g., connected to the proximal end of the tubular member and communicating with the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, the fill material includes nucleus pulposus, preferably including at least some of the nucleus pulposus material removed from the spinal disc being treated. In addition, or alternatively, the fill material may include other materials, such as autologous therapeutic agents, e.g., concentrated growth factors, extra-cellular matrix material, e.g., intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa and bladder submucosa, saline, a pharmaceutical, genetic material, and the like. [0013]
  • The delivery device may also include a sheath slidably disposed over the tubular member. The sheath may include a distal region for receiving the bladder therein in a collapsed configuration. The delivery device may also include a pusher member slidable along the tubular member, the pusher member configured for directing the neck off of the distal end of the tubular member. For example, the pusher member may include a substantially blunt distal end for engaging the neck when the distal end of the tubular member is withdrawn from within the neck. [0014]
  • In an alternative embodiment, the distal end of the tubular member may include one or more electrodes for delivering energy to tissue surrounding a passage through which the tubular member is inserted for closing the passage upon withdrawal of the tubular member. In this embodiment, the apparatus may also include a source of energy, e.g., a radio frequency (RF) generator, coupled to the electrodes for providing the energy. The distal end of the tubular member may also include a radiopaque marker. [0015]
  • In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for treating a spinal disc of a patient, e.g., using an apparatus such as that described above. Generally, the spinal disc includes an annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus within an interior region defined by the annulus fibrosis. First, the spinal disc to be treated is accessed, and an opening is created in the annulus fibrosis to access the interior region of the annulus fibrosis. At least a portion of, and preferably substantially all of, the nucleus pulposus material is removed from the interior region of the annulus fibrosis to define a space. [0016]
  • The space is lined with a substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable liner material, and filled with a fill material sufficient to cause the liner material to expand to substantially engage tissue surrounding the space. For example, the liner material may be a sheet of substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable material, such as an extra-cellular matrix. Alternatively, a substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable bladder, such as that described above, may be introduced within the space in a collapsed configuration, e.g., within a delivery device. The bladder may be filled with a fill material sufficient to cause the bladder to expand to an enlarged configuration to substantially occupy the space and/or engage surrounding tissue as it is filled. [0017]
  • Preferably, the fill material includes nucleus pulposus, e.g., nucleus pulposus removed from the disc. In addition, the fill material may also include naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa and bladder submucosa, and/or other materials, such as saline, a pharmaceutical, autologous therapeutic agents, genetic material, and/or other materials, e.g., to promote healing. Alternatively, the fill material may be a polymer, such as interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material. [0018]
  • In a further alternative, before the liner material is introduced into the interior region, a flowable fill material may be introduced into the interior region of the disc. Preferably, the fill material includes naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa and bladder submucosa. The flowable fill material may be a slurry also including saline and/or other materials to promote healing. As the liner material or bladder is filled, it may force the fill material within the interior region to fill any gaps or fissures, e.g., in the annulus fibrosis. [0019]
  • After the space within the disc has been filled with fill material, the opening may be closed. This may involve applying energy, e.g., RF energy, to the annular fibrosis tissue surrounding the opening. Alternatively, it may involve deploying a closure element to close the opening. [0020]
  • In a further alternative, a tubular plug member may be provided on the bladder, e.g., bonded or otherwise attached to the neck of the bladder. In one embodiment, the plug member may include a lumen communicating with an interior region of the bladder. The plug member may include a thread pattern on its external surface for substantially securing the plug member into the opening, e.g., by threading the plug member into tissue surrounding the opening. A cannula or other tubular member may be inserted into the lumen for facilitating introduction of fill material into the bladder through the lumen. [0021]
  • In another embodiment, the lumen of the plug member may be closed, e.g., by deploying an internal plug element within the lumen of the plug member. For example, a ball may be stored in a pocket in the plug member communicating with the lumen, the ball being coupled to a filament extending from the lumen. The filament may be pulled to deploy the ball within the lumen to substantially seal the lumen from fluid flow therethrough. [0022]
  • In still another embodiment, the space within the disc may be lined by introducing a sheet of substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable material into the space such that an outer edge of the sheet extends through the opening. Any excess sheet material extending from the opening may be trimmed, e.g., before or after closing the opening. A plug may be introduced into the opening, e.g., to substantially engage the sheet against the surrounding tissue and/or to substantially close the opening. The plug may include a thread pattern, allowing the plug to be threaded into the opening, or other expandable elements that may engage surrounding tissue and/or otherwise substantially close the opening. [0023]
  • In an alternative embodiment, an elongate member may be used to both fill the interior of the disc and to close the opening providing access to the interior. The elongate member may include a plug member, such as one of those described elsewhere herein, and an elongate body of fill material attached to one end of the plug member. For example, the body of fill material may include one or more layers of naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material and/or nucleus pulposus rolled or packed into a tubular or substantially solid body. The body of fill material is sufficiently flexible that it may be introduced through the opening and packed into the interior of the disc to substantially fill the interior, e.g., to a predetermined pressure. [0024]
  • Preferably, the body of fill material may be provided in a predetermined length or cut to a predetermined length having a volume substantially similar to a volume of the interior of the disc. The body of fill material may be introduced through the opening, until the plug member is received and/or secured in the opening to substantially close the opening. When the plug member is secured within the opening, the body of fill material preferably substantially fills the interior of the disc, the plug member preventing substantial leakage of the fill material from the interior. [0025]
  • In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for treating a spinal disc of a patient, e.g., using one or more therapeutic agents. A stylet including a pointed distal end is inserted through the annulus fibrosis to create a passage communicating with the interior region of the disc. A tubular member is advanced over the stylet until a distal end of the tubular member is disposed within the interior region. The stylet is withdrawn from within the tubular member, and a therapeutic agent is introduced through the tubular member into the interior region. [0026]
  • A single bolos of therapeutic agent may be delivered into the interior region, or a series of treatments may be provided. For example, a pump, which may be implanted within the patient's body, may be connected to the tubular member, and the therapeutic agent may be delivered by the pump into the interior region over a predetermined time. [0027]
  • Upon completion of delivery of the therapeutic agent, the tubular member may be withdrawn from the interior region, and the passage may be closed. The passage may be closed by applying energy to annular fibrosis tissue surrounding the passage to close the passage and/or by deploying a closure element, as described above. [0028]
  • In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for closing a passage through tissue is provided. The apparatus includes an energy delivery device, a needle, and a syringe. The energy delivery device includes a handle member having a connector on its distal end, the connector including an electrically conductive region. An electrically insulated elongate element extends from the distal that terminates in an uninsulated distal tip. [0029]
  • During use, the needle is connected to the syringe, and then is inserted through tissue. A therapeutic agent is delivered through the needle, and then the syringe is disconnected from the needle. The elongate element is inserted into the needle until the distal tip extends beyond the distal end of the needle, and the connector connects the needle to the conductive region. Electrical energy is delivered from a source of electrical energy via the distal tip and the needle to tissue surrounding the passage to close the passage as the needle is withdrawn. The apparatus may be used to close openings, particularly needle tracks, preferably through annular fibrosis of a spinal disc into an interior of the disc. The apparatus may also be used to close openings through other tissues, for example, through cardiac tissues. [0030]
  • Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.[0031]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIGS. [0032] 1A-1D are cross-sectional side views of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for treating a spinal disc, in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1E and 1F are cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of an inflated bladder for use with the apparatus of FIGS. [0033] 1A-1D.
  • FIGS. [0034] 2A-2I are cross-sectional side views of a spinal disc being treated using the apparatus of FIGS. 1A-1D.
  • FIG. 3A shows a preferred embodiment of an implant for treating a spinal disc, in accordance with the present invention. [0035]
  • FIGS. [0036] 3B-3D are cross-sectional side views of a spinal disc, showing a method for treating a spinal disc using the implant of FIG. 3A.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are side and cross-sectional views, respectively of another apparatus for treating a spinal disc, in accordance with the present invention. [0037]
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a spinal disc being treated with the apparatus of FIGS. 4A and 4B. [0038]
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of an implant for treating a spinal disc, in accordance with the present invention. [0039]
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a spinal disc being treating using the implant of FIG. 6. [0040]
  • FIGS. [0041] 8A-8C are cross-sectional top views of a spinal disc, showing a method for introducing therapeutic agents into the spinal disc, in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 shows a kit, including a syringe, a needle, and an energy delivery device for treating a spinal disc, in accordance with the present invention. [0042]
  • FIGS. [0043] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of a spinal disc being treated using the kit of FIG. 9.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. [0044] 1A-1D show a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus 10 for treating a spinal disc (not shown), in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 10 generally includes an inflatable bladder 12 and a delivery device 14, which may include a catheter 16, a delivery sheath 18, and/or a pusher member 20.
  • Generally, the [0045] bladder 12 is a substantially enclosed body defining an interior space 22. A neck 24 extends from the bladder 12 that defines an opening 26 communicating with the interior space 22. A sealing member 28 may be provided on the neck 24 for substantially sealing the opening 26. For example, an elastic ring may be provided around the neck 24 that is biased to constrict and thereby automatically close the opening 26. The elastic ring may be formed from a biocompatible material, such as a metal, e.g., stainless steel or Nitinol, or a polymer, and/or a bioabsorbable material, such as those described below. Alternatively, the sealing member 28 may be one or more filaments (not shown) attached or woven into the neck 24 that may be selectively tightened to close the opening 26. Adhesives or other sealants may also be provided, either alone or in conjunction with the sealing member 28.
  • In one embodiment, the [0046] neck 24 is everted within the interior space 22 of the bladder 12, and the sealing member 28 is disposed around the neck 24 within the interior space 22, as shown in FIG. 1E. Alternatively, the neck 24 may extend outwardly away from the bladder 12, as shown in FIG. 1F, and the sealing member 28 may be located around the neck 24 outside the bladder 12. In a further alternative, the neck may be eliminated, and an opening (not shown) may be provided directly in a wall of the bladder 12 to provide access into the interior space 22. In this embodiment, the opening may be sealed in a number of ways, e.g., by plugging the opening with a plug or other material, by pulling the wall around the opening closed, and stitching, bonding, or fusing the wall together, and the like (not shown).
  • The [0047] bladder 12 is generally expandable from a collapsed configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 1A, which may facilitate its introduction into a spinal disc, to an enlarged configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 1E. Preferably, the bladder 12 is formed from a substantially inelastic material that assumes a predetermined shape in the enlarged condition. For example, the bladder 12 may generally assume a circular disk shape that may correspond substantially to the shape of a spinal disc within which the bladder 12 is implanted. For example, the bladder 12, similar to natural intervertebral discs, may have a disc shape including convex upper and lower surfaces, e.g., having a greater thickness in its middle region than its outer edges. In a preferred embodiment, in the enlarged configuration, the bladder 12 has a diameter between about one and six centimeters (1-6 cm) and a height between about a half centimeter and three centimeters (0.5-3.0 cm).
  • Alternatively, the [0048] bladder 12 may be formed from an elastic material such that the bladder 12 may substantially fill a space within which it is inflated. In this embodiment, the bladder 12 may be inflated to one of a range of sizes, e.g., for filling a cavity having a variety of sizes and shapes.
  • The wall of the [0049] bladder 12 is preferably substantially nonporous, thereby preventing fluid passage therethrough and/or tissue-ingrowth. Alternatively, the wall of the bladder 12 may be porous to selected materials, such as proteoglycans, while being substantially nonporous to other materials. The bladder 12 may be formed from a biocompatible material, and preferably from a bioabsorbable material, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, bladder submucosa, and/or other extra-cellular matrices (ECM's).
  • Returning to FIG. 1A, the [0050] catheter 16 of the delivery device 14 generally includes a substantially rigid or semi-rigid tubular member having a proximal end (not shown), a distal end 32 having a size for insertion through an opening into a spinal disc, and a lumen 34 extending between the proximal end and the distal end 32. The proximal end may include a handle or other mechanism (not shown) for manipulating the catheter 16. In addition, the proximal end may include a seal (not shown) for selectively closing the lumen 34 and/or a port for connecting to a source of fill material (not shown). The catheter 16 and/or its various components may be formed from a variety of known biocompatible materials, e.g., metals, such as stainless steel, and/or polymers or other plastics.
  • The [0051] bladder 12 is generally carried by the distal end 32 of the catheter 16, e.g., by inserting the distal end 32 into the neck 24. The sealing member 28 may substantially secure the neck 24 over the distal end 32 of the catheter 16 and/or substantially seal the opening 26. A source of fill material (not shown) may be connected to the proximal end, the source communicating with the lumen 34 for delivering fill material, e.g., including nucleus pulposus, to the distal end 32 of the catheter 16. Thus, with the neck 24 of the bladder 12 secured over the distal end 32 of the catheter 16, the fill material may be selectively introduced into the interior space 22 of the bladder 12 to fill and expand the bladder 12. The source of fill material may include a manual device, such as a syringe (not shown), a powered device, such as a pump (not shown), and the like.
  • The [0052] sheath 18 is a tubular member including a proximal end (not shown), a distal end 42 having a size for insertion into a spinal disc, and a lumen 44 extending between the proximal and the distal ends 42. The lumen 44 is sufficiently large such that the sheath 18 is slidable over the catheter 16, as shown in FIG. 1A. When the catheter 16 is fully received within the sheath 18, the lumen 44 preferably defines a distal region 46 beyond the distal end 32 of the catheter 16 for receiving the bladder 12 therein, also as shown in FIG. 1A.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the [0053] pusher member 20 is a tubular member that is generally slidable over the catheter 16. Preferably, the pusher member 20 slidably engages an outer surface of the catheter 16 for facilitating release of the bladder 12 from off of the distal end 32. For example, the pusher member 20 may have a substantially blunt distal end 52 for abutting the neck 24 of the bladder 12 during withdrawal of the catheter 16, as described further below. Alternatively, other pusher members, e.g., including gripping elements, may be provided that may engage or be selectively secured to the neck 24 during withdrawal of the distal end 32 of the catheter 16.
  • In alternative embodiments, the [0054] catheter 16 may include one or more electrodes (not shown) on the distal end 32. For example, a single electrode (not shown) may be provided on the distal end 32, e.g., on the distal-most tip of the catheter 16. An external electrode may then be provided, e.g., a conductive pad in contact with the patient's skin (not shown), that may be electrically coupled to the electrode via the patient's tissue, e.g., for uni-polar operation. Alternatively, a plurality of electrodes (not shown) may be provided that are disposed axially a predetermined distance from one another on the distal end 32, e.g., for bi-polar operation.
  • The electrode(s) may be used for delivering energy to tissue surrounding a passage through which the [0055] catheter 16 is inserted, e.g., for closing the passage upon withdrawal of the catheter 16 and/or for closing the opening 26 in the bladder 12, as described further below. A source of energy, such as a radio frequency (RF) generator, may be coupled to the electrode(s), e.g., via a wire or other conductor extending within a lumen (not shown) or wall of the catheter 16, e.g., between the proximal and distal ends 32.
  • A temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor (not shown), may also be provided on the [0056] distal end 32 of the catheter 16, e.g., for monitoring delivery of energy via the electrode(s). In addition or alternatively, a marker, such as a radiopaque band, may be provided at a predetermined location on the distal end 32 of the catheter 16, e.g., for monitoring the position of the electrode(s) before applying energy to close the passage.
  • Turning to FIGS. [0057] 2A-2I, the apparatus 10 may be used to treat a spinal disc 90, such as that shown in FIG. 2A. The disc 90 is generally disposed between adjacent vertebrae 91, and includes an annulus fibrosis 92 defining an interior region 94 that is substantially filled with nucleus pulposus material. Details of the vertebrae and disc are omitted for clarity, but are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • First, as shown in FIG. 2B, after gaining access to the [0058] disc 90, e.g., using conventional open or minimally invasive surgical methods, an opening 95 is created in the annulus fibrosis 92 to gain access to the interior region 94. For example, a puncture may be created through the annulus fibrosis, a bore may be cut through, or a flap may be created.
  • As shown in FIG. 2C, at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus may be removed from the [0059] interior region 94, thereby defining a cavity 96. This may involve scraping, drilling, coring, or otherwise removing the nucleus pulposus material, e.g., using a scraper, a drill, a screw, a wire or bristle brush, and/or other tool. Alternatively, a fluid or other material may be introduced into the interior region to loosen or otherwise help break up the nucleus pulposus to facilitate its removal. Additional materials and methods may be used to remove nucleus pulposus from within a spinal disc, either alone or in conjunction with one or more of the methods described above, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,439,423 and 4,719,108, issued to Smith, and 3,678,158, issued to Sussman, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, substantially all of the nucleus pulposus is removed from the interior region 94, although, alternatively, only selective portions may be removed. The nucleus pulposus is preferably preserved, e.g., for use in filling the bladder 12, as described further below. Alternatively, the removed nucleus pulposus may be discarded.
  • As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the [0060] apparatus 10 is introduced through the opening 95 into the cavity 96 with the bladder 12 disposed in its collapsed configuration within the sheath 18. The distal end 42 of the sheath 18 is positioned until the bladder 12 is disposed in a predetermined orientation within the cavity 96. This manipulation may be facilitated by external visualization of the marker (not shown) on the apparatus 10, e.g., using fluoroscopy, MRI, and the like. Alternatively, the opening 95 may be sufficiently large that direct visualization may be used. Once properly positioned, the sheath 18 may then be withdrawn, as shown in FIG. 2F, thereby deploying the bladder 12 within the cavity 96.
  • Fill material may then be introduced into the [0061] bladder 12, thereby causing the bladder 12 to expand to its enlarged configuration, as shown in FIG. 2G. Preferably, the fill material includes nucleus pulposus, and more preferably, the fill material includes at least some of the nucleus pulposus material removed from the disc 90. In addition or alternatively, the fill material may include other ingredients, e.g., naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, and bladder submucosa, autologous therapeutics agents, e.g., concentrated growth factors derived from centrifuged plasma obtained from the patient, saline, a pharmaceutical, and/or genetic material. For example, the nucleus pulposus that is removed from the interior region 94 of the annulus fibrosis 92 may be broken down into relatively small particles, e.g., by chopping or other processing, and/or may be mixed with a fluid or other carrier, such as saline, to facilitate its introduction into the bladder 12. Preferably, the fill material is selected to prevent vascularization of the interior region 94, which may otherwise cause nerve growth and, consequently, pain.
  • Alternatively, the [0062] bladder 12 may be filled with a synthetic material, e.g., a polymer, such as sorbathane or other interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material. Additional information on such materials may be found in “The Development of an Interpenetrating Polymer Network to Contain Mechanically Induced Vibration,” by Maurice Hiles, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In a further alternative, IPN material may be delivered directly into the interior region 96 of the disc 90, i.e., without a bladder or other containment, as described further below.
  • As best seen in FIG. 2G, as the [0063] bladder 12 expands, it substantially occupies the cavity 96 from which the nucleus pulposus has been removed. Thus, the bladder 12 may substantially fill any voids within the cavity and/or substantially engage any exposed surfaces, e.g., the exposed surfaces of the vertebrae 91, and/or the inner surface of the annulus fibrosis 92. The bladder 12 may expand and force the vertebrae 91 further apart from one another and/or adjust their relative position, e.g., to remove stress from the annulus fibrosis 92. Thus, the bladder 12 may facilitate treating a disc that is at least partially collapsed or ruptured and/or treating vertebrae that are out of alignment.
  • Alternatively, the [0064] bladder 12 may facilitate healing of an annulus fibrosis, for example, through which fissures and the like have developed. In addition to the nucleus pulposus removed from the interior region 94, any nucleus pulposus that has leaked through such fissures may be removed. In this embodiment, the bladder 12 is preferably substantially nonporous, thereby containing the nucleus pulposus within the bladder 12 while the annulus fibrosis 92 is given opportunity to heal. Preferably, the bladder 12 is bioabsorbable such that the bladder 12 is substantially absorbed by the patient's body after sufficient time for the annulus fibrosis to substantially heal. Thus, once healed, the patient's spinal disc may be restored to a substantially normal, healthy disc.
  • In a further alternative, a small amount of a flowable fill material (not shown) may be introduced into the [0065] cavity 96 before introducing the apparatus 10 and bladder 12 into the cavity 96. For example, a slurry including naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, and/or bladder submucosa, may be introduced into the cavity 96. In addition, or alternatively, the slurry may include a carrier, such as saline, and/or other healing-promoting materials or therapeutic compounds, such as an antibiotic, a steroid, an nsaid, an autologous therapeutics agent, e.g., a concentrated growth factor derived from centrifuged plasma obtained from the patient, and the like.
  • Thereafter, the [0066] bladder 12 may be introduced and filled, as described above. As the bladder 12 is expanded, it may substantially force this external fill material into any gaps, cracks, and/or fissures, e.g., within the annulus fibrosis 92. This may promote healing or remodeling deeper within the annulus fibrosis 92 or other damaged tissue within the disc 90. In addition, the fill material may generate an analgesic effect, as may occur when ECM materials are used, thereby substantially reducing patient discomfort.
  • Turning to FIG. 2H, once the [0067] bladder 12 has been filled to a predetermined pressure, the catheter 16 may be removed. To facilitate disconnecting the neck 24 of the bladder 12 from the distal end 32 of the catheter 16, the pusher member 20 may be advanced distally over the catheter 16 until it abuts or otherwise substantially engages the bladder 12 and/or the neck 24. The catheter 16 may then be withdrawn proximally while the pusher member 20 retains the neck 24 substantially in position, i.e., everted within the interior region of the bladder 12. Once the distal end 32 of the catheter 16 is withdrawn from the neck 24, the sealing member 28 preferably automatically constricts around the neck 24 to substantially seal the opening 26, as shown in FIG. 2H. Alternatively, the neck 24 may be affirmatively closed using a sealing member, such as those described elsewhere herein.
  • To further facilitate removal of the [0068] catheter 16 without pulling the neck 24 from within the bladder 12, the distal end 32 of the catheter 16 may be coated with a lubricious material, such as teflon, and/or the distal end 32 may be tapered to facilitate sliding the distal end 32 out of the neck 24. In a further alternative, the neck 24 and/or opening 26 may be affirmatively sealed, e.g., using an adhesive or other sealant, using RF energy, and the like.
  • Finally, the [0069] pusher member 20 may be withdrawn, and the opening 95 may be closed, thereby substantially sealing the bladder 12 within the annulus fibrosis 92. The opening 95 may be closed by introducing a plug or other closure member (not shown) into the cavity 96 and/or into the opening 95. The plug may be expandable to engage the annulus fibrosis tissue surrounding the opening 95 and/or may otherwise be secured within the opening 95. In addition, or alternatively, an adhesive or other material may be introduced into the opening 95 to substantially seal it. Additional information on closure devices appropriate for closing an opening through an annular fibrosis and methods for using them may be found in application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same day as the present application, and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Closing Openings in Spinal discs” (attorney docket 260/101). The disclosure of this application, and any references cited therein, is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
  • In an alternative embodiment, for relatively smaller openings, the [0070] opening 95 may be closed by applying energy to annular fibrosis tissue surrounding the opening 95. For example, one or more electrodes (not shown) may be provided on the distal end of the catheter 16, as described above. Electrical energy, preferably radio frequency (RF) energy, may be applied to the electrodes, e.g., from an RF generator located outside the patient's body. Thus, as the distal end of the catheter 16 is withdrawn through the opening 95, the electrode(s) may be activated for a predetermined time. This RF energy may contract collagen or other materials in the annulus fibrosis, thereby causing the tissue to close around and substantially seal the opening 95. Additional information on using RF energy to close a passage through tissue may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,744, issued to Tay et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, other forms of energy may also be used, such as cryogenic energy, microwaves, and the like.
  • Turning to FIGS. [0071] 3A-3D, an alternative method for treating a spinal disc 90 is shown, using an implant 110 that includes a sheet of material 112 and a plug 114, as shown in FIG. 3A. The sheet of material 112 may be formed from a substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable material, defining an outer edge 116, similar to the bladder described above. For example, the sheet 112 may include one or more layers of extra-cellular matrices, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, and/or bladder submucosa.
  • First, similar to the embodiments described above, after gaining access to a [0072] disc 90, an opening 95 is created in the annulus fibrosis 92 to gain access to an interior region 94 of the disc 90. At least a portion of the nucleus pulposus may be removed from the interior region 94, thereby defining a cavity 96. The nucleus pulposus may be preserved or may be discarded.
  • As shown in FIG. 3B, the [0073] sheet 112 is introduced through the opening 95 to substantially line the cavity 96. For example, the sheet 112 may be disposed in a collapsed configuration over a rod, catheter, or other elongate member 120. Preferably, an intermediate region of the sheet 112 abuts a distal end 122 of the elongate member 120, and the outer edge 116 of the sheet 112 is disposed proximal to the distal end 122. Optionally, a constraint (not shown) may be disposed over the outer edge 116 and/or over other regions of the sheet 112, e.g., to substantially secure the sheet 112 to the elongate member 120.
  • The [0074] distal end 122 of the elongate member 120 may be advanced through the opening 95, thereby introducing the sheet 112 into the cavity 96. The sheet 112 may be disposed in a predetermined orientation within the cavity 96, preferably such that the intermediate region of the sheet 112 is disposed within the cavity 96, while the outer edge 116 of the sheet 112 extends into or through the opening 96. More preferably, the sheet 112 has a size such that the sheet 112 may substantially line the cavity 96, while the outer edge 116 may extend through the opening 96. If a constraint is used, the constraint may be withdrawn to release the sheet 112 from the elongate member 120, whereupon the elongate member 120 may be withdrawn.
  • As shown in FIG. 3C, the [0075] cavity 96 may then be filled with fill material, thereby expanding the sheet 112 to an enlarged configuration, engaging tissue surrounding the cavity 96 and substantially lining the cavity 96. Preferably, the fill material includes nucleus pulposus, and more preferably, the fill material includes at least some of the nucleus pulposus material removed from the disc 90, as described above. In addition or alternatively, the fill material may include other materials as described elsewhere herein, such as autologous therapeutics agents, e.g., concentrated growth factors derived from centrifuged plasma. In a further alternative embodiment, a small amount of a flowable fill material (not shown) may be introduced into the cavity 96 before introducing the sheet 112, similar to the embodiment described above.
  • If the [0076] elongate member 120 is a catheter, the fill material may be introduced through a lumen 122 of the catheter into the cavity 96. Once the bladder 12 has been filled to a predetermined pressure, the catheter 120 may be removed. Alternatively, the elongate member 120 may be removed, and a separate tubular member (not shown) may be advanced through the opening 95 into the cavity 96. Fill material may then be delivered into the cavity 96 through a lumen in the tubular member. Once the cavity 96 has been substantially filled, i.e., to line the cavity 96 with sheet 112, the elongate member 120 or tubular member may be withdrawn.
  • As shown in FIG. 3D, the [0077] plug 114, e.g., an elongate body including a pattern of threads 115 extending along its peripheral surface, may be rotated, and thereby threaded, into the opening 96. Preferably, the body of the plug 114 has a cross-section similar to the cross-section of the opening 96, while the threads 115 have a cross-section substantially larger than the opening 96. Thus, as the plug 114 is rotated, the threads 115 may substantially secure the portion of the sheet 112 extending into the opening 96 against tissue surrounding the opening 96, thereby substantially closing and/or sealing the opening 96. Any excess sheet material may be trimmed and discarded, e.g., either before or after introduction of the plug 114. Alternatively, other plugs or closure devices (not shown) may be delivered into the opening 96 to substantially close and/or seal the opening 96, as described elsewhere herein. In a further alternative, one or more filaments, similar to a purse-string suture, may be attached along the outer edge 116 of the sheet 112, which may be used to draw the outer edge 116 together and substantially seal the fill material within the cavity 96 defined by the sheet 112.
  • Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, yet another embodiment of an [0078] apparatus 310 for treating a spinal disc is shown. Generally, the apparatus 310 includes a bladder 312, a plug 314, and a cannula 316. Similar to the embodiments described above, the bladder 312 is expandable from a collapsed configuration to an enlarged configuration, and is preferably formed from a substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable material. The bladder 312 includes a neck 324 communicating with an interior region 322 of the bladder 312.
  • The [0079] plug 314 is a tubular body 325, including a lumen 326 extending between a proximal end 328 and a distal end 332. The neck 324 of the bladder 312 is attached to the distal end 332 of the plug 314, e.g., by an adhesive, sutures, a mechanical fastener, and the like. The plug 314 includes an external thread pattern 315, and may include an enlarged proximal region 335. A sealing element 340 is disposed within the lumen 326 that may selectively open and close the lumen 326. For example, the sealing element 340 may be a ball or other plug that is movable into a pocket 344 within the body 325, e.g., to accommodate insertion of a distal end 320 of the cannula 316 into the lumen 326 and/or to otherwise permit delivery of fill material via the lumen 326 into the bladder 312.
  • The [0080] sealing element 340 may be connected to a filament or wire 342 that extends from the sealing element 340 through the lumen 326 and out the proximal end 328 of the plug member 314. The filament 342 may be used to manually pull the sealing element 340 out of the pocket 344 and into the lumen 326 to close the lumen 326 to fluid flow, as described further below. Alternatively, the sealing element 340 may be connected to a spring element (not shown) that may be connected to a predetermined location of the plug 314. The spring element may be deflected to allow the sealing element 340 to be received in the pocket 344, but may be biased to pull the sealing element 340 into and substantially close the lumen 326.
  • The [0081] proximal end 328 of the body 324 may include a socket 329 for receiving the sealing element 340 therein to substantially close the lumen 326. For example, the socket 329 may have a female mating shape corresponding to the sealing element 340 for positively seating the sealing element 340 in the socket 329 to substantially seal the lumen 326 from fluid flow therethrough.
  • Turning to FIG. 5, during use of the [0082] apparatus 310, an opening 95 may be made in the annulus fibrosis 92 of a spinal disc 90, and nucleus pulposus may be removed to create a cavity 96 within the disc 90, similar to the previously described embodiments. With the bladder 312 in its collapsed configuration, the bladder 312 and the distal end 332 of the plug member 314 may be introduced into the opening 95 until the bladder 312 is disposed within the cavity 96. The sealing element 340 may be pre-loaded within the pocket 344 (not shown in FIG. 5) and/or may be directed into the pocket 344, e.g., during insertion of the distal end 320 of the cannula 316 into the lumen.
  • The distal end [0083] 320 of the cannula 316 may be inserted into the lumen 326 of the plug 314, and fill material, such as the materials described above, may be delivered into the bladder 312 to expand it towards its enlarged configuration and substantially fill the cavity 96. If the sealing element 340 is biased to deploy into the lumen 326 and/or the socket 329, insertion of the cannula 316 into the lumen 326 may direct the sealing element 340 into the pocket 344, thereby opening the lumen 326. Alternatively, the distal end 320 of the cannula 316 may be introduced into the lumen 326 before the bladder 312 and plug 314 are introduced into the disc 90, thereby allowing controlled placement of the sealing element 340 in the pocket 344 and/or placement of the filament 342 in a manner that facilitates access to the filament 342.
  • Once the [0084] bladder 312 is filled to a predetermined pressure, the cannula 316 may be removed, and the sealing element 340 moved into the lumen 326, and preferably into the socket 329. If the sealing element 340 is deployed manually, this may involve pulling the filament 342 until the sealing element 340 is received in the socket 329. Thereafter, any portion of the filament 342 extending from the disc 90 may be trimmed as desired. If the sealing element 342 is connected using a spring element, the sealing element 342 may automatically deploy into the socket 329 upon removal of the cannula 316. Thus, the sealing element 342 may substantially seal the lumen 326, and prevent substantial leakage of fill material from within the bladder 312. In an alternative embodiment, the bladder 312 and plug 314 may be provided separate from one another and deployed independently of one another, similar to the embodiments described above.
  • Turning to FIG. 6, still another embodiment of an [0085] implant 410 is shown for treating a spinal disc that includes an elongate body of fill material 412 and a plug member 414. The body of fill material 412 may be a substantially flexible body formed from material, such as a bioabsorbable material, a material designed to promote regeneration or other healing of the disc, and/or a biocompatible, substantially permanent implant material, similar to the various embodiments described above. For example, the body of fill material 412 may include one or more layers of naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material and/or nucleus pulposus rolled or packed into a tubular or substantially solid body. The body of fill material 412 may be provided in a predetermined length and/or may be cut to predetermined length. For example, the predetermined length may result in a volume of fill material that substantially matches the volume of an interior of a spinal disc being filled.
  • The [0086] plug member 414 may include an elongate body 424 having a thread pattern 425 extending along the body 424. Alternatively, other external connectors may be provided on the plug member 414 to substantially engage surrounding tissue, such as tines or other tissue engaging elements.
  • Turning to FIG. 7, the [0087] implant 410 is introduced into a spinal disc 90, using a similar method to the embodiments described above. An opening 95 is formed in the annulus fibrosis 92, and at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus is removed to create a cavity 96. The body of fill material 412 is fed through the opening 95 until it substantially fills the cavity 96 and/or the plug 414 is threaded or otherwise engaged within the opening 95. Thus, when the plug member 414 is secured within the opening 95, the body of fill material 412 preferably substantially fills the interior 94 of the disc 90. The implant 410 may be left within a patient's body, e.g., until it eventually is absorbed, e.g., after sufficient time to allow the disc 90 to heal, or substantially permanently.
  • In a further alternative, an IPN polymer, such as sorbathane, may be implanted directly into an interior of a spinal disc or may even be used to form a prosthetic disc that may replace an entire intervertebral disc. An IPN polymer may allow particular mechanical properties to be selected for the implant, e.g., viscous and/or elastic properties. The viscosity of the polymer may control the level of energy absorption, while the elasticity may dictate the frequency and amplitude at which absorption may occur. An IPN polymer may be customized to optimally set the ratio of these properties to best respond to conditions experienced by an intervertebral disc during normal physical activities. Thus, an IPN may provide substantial advantages over natural rubbers, geometric isomers, and other like materials. [0088]
  • The IPN polymer may be preformed into a body that may be inserted into the interior of the disc, or may be injected or otherwise introduced into the interior of the disc and then cured, e.g., by including a catalyst in the injected material, by exposure to heat, moisture, and the like, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The resulting implant may be a substantially permanent replacement for the nucleus pulposus material within the disc or for the entire disc. [0089]
  • Turning to FIGS. [0090] 8A-8C, an apparatus 510 is shown for treating a spinal disc 90 of a patient, e.g., using one or more therapeutic agents. The apparatus 510 generally includes a stylet 512 having a pointed distal tip 514. The stylet 512 is preferably a substantially rigid solid pointed trocar rod or a tubular needle. The stylet 512 may be formed from stainless steel or other material.
  • The apparatus [0091] 510 also includes a tubular sheath 516 having a relatively thin wall that may be slidably disposed over the stylet 512. The sheath 516 preferably has a tapered distal end 518 for facilitating substantially atraumatic advancement of the sheath 516 through tissue. The sheath 516 includes a lumen 520 extending between its proximal end (not shown) and the distal end 518. The sheath 516 may be formed a polymer, such as polyimide.
  • The proximal end of the sheath [0092] 516 may include a seal for substantially preventing backflow of fluids proximally through the lumen 520, but allowing the stylet 512 to be inserted therethrough. In addition, a source of therapeutic agent (not shown) may be connected to the proximal end of the sheath 516, e.g., to a side port (not shown).
  • As shown in FIG. 8A, the pointed distal tip [0093] 514 of the stylet 512 is inserted through the annulus fibrosis 92 to create an opening 95 communicating with the interior region 93. The sheath 516 is advanced over the stylet 512 until the distal end 518 of the sheath 516 is disposed within the interior region 93, as shown in FIG. 8B. As explained above, the distal end 518 of the sheath 516 is preferably tapered to facilitate its advancement over the stylet 512 and through the annulus fibrosis 92.
  • The stylet [0094] 512 is withdrawn from within the disc 90 and the lumen 520, leaving the sheath 516 within the annulus fibrosis 92, as shown in FIG. 8C. One or more therapeutic agents may then be introduced through the lumen 520 of the sheath 516 into the interior region 93. For example, proteoglycans, proteoglycan recruiting materials, materials for inhibiting nerve ingrowth, and the like may be introduced into the interior region 93 of the disc 90, to provide a desired therapeutic effect, to hydrate the nucleus pulposus within the interior region 93, and the like. Alternatively, other compounds, such as any of those described above, may be introduced via the sheath 516.
  • A single bolos of therapeutic agent may be delivered into the [0095] interior region 93, or a series of treatments may be provided. For example, a pump (not shown) may be implanted within the patient's body, that may be connected to the sheath 516. A therapeutic agent may be delivered by the pump into the interior region over a predetermined time, e.g., continuously or in periodic doses.
  • Upon completion of delivery of the treatment, the sheath [0096] 516 may be withdrawn from the interior region 93 and from the disc 90. The opening 95 may then be closed, e.g., by applying energy to annular fibrosis tissue surrounding the passage to close the passage and/or by deploying a closure element, as described above.
  • Because of the relatively low profile of the sheath [0097] 516, the size of the opening 95 used to access the interior region 95 of the disc 90 may be substantially minimized. This may facilitate closing and/or sealing the opening 95 following treatment and minimize the risk of material leaking from the interior region 93, which may cause discomfort or harm to the patient.
  • Turning to FIG. 9, an [0098] apparatus 610 is shown that may be used to inject a therapeutic agent into an interior region of a spinal disc (not shown). The apparatus 610 may also be used to close a passage through other tissue through which therapeutic agents may be delivered, such as heart tissue, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Generally, the apparatus 610 includes an energy delivery device 612, a needle, 614, a syringe 616, and a source of electrical energy (not shown).
  • The [0099] energy delivery device 612 includes a handle member 618 including proximal and distal ends 620, 622. A connector 624 is provided on the distal end for connecting to a cooperating connector 644 on the needle 614, as described further below. The connector 624 includes an electrically conductive region 626 or is formed entirely from a conductive material for electrically coupling the needle 614 to the source of electrical energy. For example, the connector 624 may be a luer lock, a threaded collar, or other known connector.
  • An [0100] elongate electrode element 628 extends from the distal end 622, preferably substantially coaxially with the connector 624. The electrode element 628 generally includes an electrically insulated outer surface 630 and terminates in an uninsulated distal tip 632. Preferably, the electrode element 628 is a substantially rigid stylet formed from electrically conductive material. The outer surface 630 may be covered with electrically insulating material except for the distal tip 632. Alternatively, the electrode element 628 may be a wire covered with an electrically insulating sleeve or other nonconductive body including an electrode on its distal tip (not shown).
  • A [0101] cable 634 extends from the proximal end 620 of the handle member 618 and terminates with a connector 636 that may be connectable to a source of electrical energy (not shown), preferably a radio frequency (RF) generator. Conductors, such as wires (not shown) may extend through the handle member 618 between the proximal and distal ends 620, 622 for coupling the distal tip 632 of the electrode element 628 and the conductive region 626 of the connector 624 to the source of electrical energy.
  • The [0102] needle 614 may be a conventional hypodermic needle including a tubular body 638 having a lumen (not shown) that extends between proximal and distal ends 640, 642. A luer lock or other connector 644 is provided on the proximal end 640 for connecting to a hub 646 of the syringe 616 and/or for connecting to the handle member 618. The distal end 642 terminates in a pointed tip 648, such as a conventional angled tip that may be used to insert the needle 616 into tissue. The needle 614 is preferably formed from conventional materials, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the tubular body 638 and all or part of the connector 644 may formed from other electrically conductive materials, as long as the tubular body 638 is electrically coupled to the connector 644.
  • Preferably, the [0103] tubular body 638 and the electrode element 628 have relative lengths such that the distal tip 632 of the electrode element 628 is exposed beyond the distal end 642 of the tubular body 638 when the handle member 618 is connected to the needle 614, as described further below.
  • The [0104] syringe 616 may also be generally conventional, including a barrel 650 and a plunger 652 defining a cavity 654 for containing one or more therapeutic agents. As explained above, the hub 646 includes a complementary luer lock or other connector 656 that may mate with the connector 644 on the needle 614. Alternatively, other containers or sources of therapeutic agents (not shown) may be used that may be connected to the needle 614 to deliver the therapeutic agents into regions beyond or within tissue of a patient.
  • Turning to FIGS. [0105] 10A-10C, the apparatus 610 may be used to inject one or more therapeutic agents through tissue, e.g., into an interior 94 of a spinal disc 90 through the annular fibrosis 92. The therapeutic agent(s) may include drugs or other materials, such as one or more of those described elsewhere herein, including genetic materials, proteoglycans, proteoglycan recruiting materials, materials for inhibiting nerve ingrowth, autologous therapeutic agents, extra-cellular matrix materials, such as intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa and bladder submucosa, antibiotics, steroids, nsaids, saline, and the like. Other exemplary procedures may include gene-therapy and molecular (drug) treatments using needle injections through tissue, such as for cardiac procedures, e.g., to promote angiogenesis or myogenesis. In a further alternative, the therapeutic agent may be a chemotherapy or other cancer-treatment drug that may be injected into a cancerous region of tissue.
  • First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the [0106] needle 614 is attached to the hub 646 of the syringe 616, and the distal end 642 of the needle 614 is inserted through the annulus fibrosis 92 into the interior region 94 of the disc 90. One or more therapeutic agents are delivered through a lumen (not shown) of the needle 614 into the interior region 94. Once a desired amount of therapeutic agent has been delivered, the syringe 616 may be removed from the proximal end 640 of the needle 614, e.g., by rotating the luer locks, as is know to those skilled in the art. Thus, the needle 614 may remain in the disc 90, as shown in FIG. 10B.
  • Turning to FIG. 10C, the [0107] energy delivery device 612 may then be connected to the needle 614. The elongate element 630 is inserted into the lumen at the proximal end 640 of the needle 614 and advanced therethrough until the distal tip 632 extends beyond the distal end 642 of the needle 614. The connector 624 on the handle member 618 may be secured to the connector 644 on the needle 614, thereby connecting the needle 614 to the handle member 618.
  • When the [0108] connectors 624, 644 are connected, the needle 614 is electrically coupled to the conductive region 626 on the handle member 618. Preferably, because the outer surface of the elongate element 630 is insulated, the needle 614 and the distal tip 632 of the elongate element 630 are electrically isolated to one another, except via tissue surrounding them.
  • The [0109] cable 634 may be connected to a source of energy, such as an RF generator, and electrical energy delivered via the circuit including the distal tip 632, the surrounding tissue, and the needle 614. Thus, a bipolar mode is used to deliver the electrical energy. Alternatively, a monopolar mode may be used, e.g., by placing an electrode pad (not shown) against the patient, e.g., against the patient's skin. The RF generator may be connected to the distal tip 632 and to the electrode pad, thereby delivering electrical energy to the tissue surrounding the distal tip 632.
  • The electrical energy may be delivered for a predetermined time, e.g., while retaining the [0110] needle 614 substantially in place, and upon completion of energy delivery, the needle 614 may be removed from the passage 95. More preferably, the needle 614 is moved along the passage 95 while continuing to deliver electrical energy to the distal tip 632 and the needle 614, thereby closing the passage 95 along a length contacted by the distal tip 632, and preferably substantially along the entire length of the passage 95.
  • Thus, the [0111] energy delivery device 612 may be used to close a passage created using conventional needles and syringes.
  • While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. [0112]

Claims (57)

1. A method for treating a spinal disc of a patient, the spinal disc comprising annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus within an interior region defined by the annulus fibrosis, the method comprising:
removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus material from the interior region to define a space;
lining the space with a substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable liner material; and
filling the space with a fill material sufficient to cause the liner material to expand to substantially engage tissue surrounding the space.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises nucleus pulposus.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the nucleus pulposus used to fill the space comprises nucleus pulposus removed from the disc.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises a naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the extra-cellular matrix material comprises at least one of intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, or bladder submucosa.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises an autologous therapeutic agent.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the autologous therapeutic agent comprises a concentrated growth factor derived from centrifuged plasma of the patient.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the space is filled with a material comprising interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the liner material comprises a substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable bladder, wherein the step of lining the space comprises introducing the bladder within the space, and wherein the step of filling the space comprises filling the bladder with a fill material sufficient to cause the bladder to expand to substantially occupy the space.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the bladder comprises an extra-cellular matrix material.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the extra-cellular matrix material comprises at least one of intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, or bladder submucosa.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the bladder comprises a neck defining an opening for introducing the fill material into the bladder.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the bladder further comprises a sealing member for sealing the neck to prevent leakage of the material used to fill the bladder.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the bladder is disposed on a distal portion of a delivery device that is inserted into the neck such that the neck is everted within an interior of the bladder, and wherein the step of introducing the bladder comprises introducing the distal portion of the delivery device into the space.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
engaging the neck of the bladder with a pusher member; and
removing the delivery device from the neck, the sealing member closing the neck to substantially seal the fill material within the interior of the bladder.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein the bladder is inserted through the opening in a collapsed configuration, and wherein the bladder expands to an enlarged configuration to engage surrounding tissue as it is filled.
17. The method of claim 9, wherein the bladder comprises a tubular plug member, the plug member comprising a lumen communicating with an interior region of the bladder, and wherein the step of introducing the bladder within the space comprises securing the plug member within the opening.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plug member comprises a thread pattern on its external surface, and wherein the step of securing the plug member comprises threading the plug member into the opening.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein a distal portion of an elongate tubular member is disposed within the lumen of the plug member, and wherein the fill material is delivered into the bladder via a lumen in the tubular member from a source of fill material coupled to a proximal end of the tubular member.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising closing the lumen of the plug member upon removal of the tubular member.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of closing the lumen of the plug member comprises deploying an internal plug element within the lumen of the plug member.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the liner material comprises a sheet of naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the extra-cellular matrix material comprises at least one of intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, or bladder submucosa.
24. The method of claim 1, further comprising introducing a flowable fill material into the space before lining the space.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the flowable fill material comprises naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material comprises at least one of intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa and bladder submucosa.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the flowable fill material comprises a slurry further comprising at least one of saline, an antibiotic, a steroid, and an nsaid.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of filling the space with a fill material causes the flowable fill material within the space to flow into cracks or fissures in the annulus fibrosis.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein the flowable fill material comprises an autologous therapeutic agent.
30. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of removing the nucleus pulposus comprises creating an opening in the annulus fibrosis to access the interior region of the annulus fibrosis.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the liner material comprises a sheet of substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable material.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising introducing a plug into the opening, the plug substantially closing the opening.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the plug comprises a thread pattern on its external surface, and wherein the step of introducing the plug comprises threading the plug into the opening.
34. The method of claim 30, and wherein the step of lining the space comprises introducing the sheet into the space such that an outer edge of the sheet extends through the opening.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising trimming excess sheet material extending from the opening.
36. The method of claim 34, further comprising introducing a plug into the opening, the plug engaging the sheet to substantially close the opening.
37. The method of claim 30, further comprising closing the opening after filling the space with fill material.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the closing step comprises applying energy to annular fibrosis tissue surrounding the opening.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the closing step comprises deploying a closure element to close the opening.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the closure element comprises a threaded plug, and wherein the step of deploying a closure element comprises threading the plug into the opening.
41. A method for treating a spinal disc of a patient, the spinal disc comprising annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus within an interior region defined by the annulus fibrosis, the method comprising:
removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus material from the interior region to define a space;
lining the space with a substantially nonporous liner material; and
filling the space with a fill material sufficient to cause the liner material to expand to substantially engage tissue surrounding the space, the fill material comprising at least some of the nucleus removed from the disc.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the fill material further comprises at least one of naturally occurring extracellular matrix material, saline, a pharmaceutical, an autologous therapeutic agent, a concentrated growth factor derived from centrifuged plasma of the patient, or genetic material.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein the liner material comprises bioabsorbable material.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein the liner material comprises naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material comprises at least one of intestinal submucosa, stomach submucosa, or bladder submucosa.
46. The method of claim 41, wherein the step of lining the space comprises introducing a substantially nonporous bladder within the space, and wherein the step of filling the space comprises filling the bladder with a fill material sufficient to cause the bladder to expand to substantially occupy the space.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the bladder comprises a neck defining an opening for introducing the fill material into the bladder.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the bladder further comprises a sealing member for sealing the neck to prevent leakage of the material used to fill the bladder.
49. The method of claim 41, wherein the step of removing the nucleus pulposus comprises creating an opening in the annulus fibrosis to access the interior region of the annulus fibrosis.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of lining the space comprises introducing a sheet of substantially nonporous, bioabsorbable material into the space.
51. The method of claim 49, further comprising closing the opening after filling the bladder with fill material.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the closing step comprises applying energy to annular fibrosis tissue surrounding the opening.
53. The method of claim 51, wherein the closing step comprises deploying a closure element to close the opening.
54. The method of claim 41, further comprising introducing a flowable fill material into the interior region before introducing the lining the interior region.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the flowable fill material comprises naturally occurring extra-cellular matrix material.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the flowable fill material comprises a slurry further comprising at least one of saline, an antibiotic, a steroid, and an nsaid.
57. The method of claim 54, wherein the flowable fill material comprises an autologous therapeutic agent.
US09/828,039 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Methods for treating spinal discs Abandoned US20020147497A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/827,423 US20020147479A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus and methods for sealing openings through tissue
US09/828,039 US20020147497A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Methods for treating spinal discs
US09/827,427 US20020147496A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus for treating spinal discs
PCT/US2002/010674 WO2002085263A2 (en) 2001-04-06 2002-04-04 Apparatus and methods for treating spinal discs
US10/692,083 US20040083002A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2003-10-22 Methods for treating spinal discs

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/827,423 US20020147479A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus and methods for sealing openings through tissue
US09/828,039 US20020147497A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Methods for treating spinal discs
US09/827,427 US20020147496A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus for treating spinal discs

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/692,083 Continuation US20040083002A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2003-10-22 Methods for treating spinal discs

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020147497A1 true US20020147497A1 (en) 2002-10-10

Family

ID=27420194

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/828,039 Abandoned US20020147497A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Methods for treating spinal discs
US09/827,427 Abandoned US20020147496A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus for treating spinal discs
US09/827,423 Abandoned US20020147479A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus and methods for sealing openings through tissue

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/827,427 Abandoned US20020147496A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus for treating spinal discs
US09/827,423 Abandoned US20020147479A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2001-04-06 Apparatus and methods for sealing openings through tissue

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (3) US20020147497A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002085263A2 (en)

Cited By (188)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020147461A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2002-10-10 Aldrich William N. Apparatus and methods for closing openings in spinal discs
US20020161223A1 (en) * 2001-01-30 2002-10-31 Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. Isocyanurate compound and method for producing the same
US20020165542A1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2002-11-07 Ferree Bret A. Annulus fibrosis augmentation methods and apparatus
WO2003002021A2 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-01-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
US20040068268A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2004-04-08 Boyd Lawrence M. Devices and methods for the restoration of a spinal disc
US20040127992A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-07-01 Serhan Hassan A. Annular nucleus pulposus replacement
US20040158248A1 (en) * 2001-09-06 2004-08-12 Ginn Richard S. Apparatus and methods for treating spinal discs
US20040220580A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2004-11-04 Wes Johnson Tissue distraction device
US20040220672A1 (en) * 2003-05-03 2004-11-04 Shadduck John H. Orthopedic implants, methods of use and methods of fabrication
US20040247849A1 (en) * 2003-06-05 2004-12-09 Csaba Truckai Polymer composites for biomedical applications and methods of making
US20050015151A1 (en) * 2001-09-14 2005-01-20 Frederic Fortin Nucleus prosthesis, the insertion device therefor and the method of fitting same
US20050071012A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-03-31 Hassan Serhan Methods and devices to replace spinal disc nucleus pulposus
US20050090901A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2005-04-28 Armin Studer Intervertebral disk prosthesis or nucleus replacement prosthesis
US20050155612A1 (en) * 1999-09-20 2005-07-21 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US20050171541A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2005-08-04 Boehm Frank H.Jr. Device for lumbar surgery
US20050267577A1 (en) * 2004-05-26 2005-12-01 Trieu Hai H Methods for treating the spine
US20050278023A1 (en) * 2004-06-10 2005-12-15 Zwirkoski Paul A Method and apparatus for filling a cavity
US20060004326A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-05 Keith Collins Apparatus and kit for injecting a curable biomaterial into into an intervertebral space
US20060036189A1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2006-02-16 Surgical Navigational Technologies, Inc. Surgical sensor
US20060058880A1 (en) * 2004-08-25 2006-03-16 Steve Wysocki Expandable interbody fusion device
US20060085081A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2006-04-20 Shadduck John H Implants and methods for treating bone
US20060085009A1 (en) * 2004-08-09 2006-04-20 Csaba Truckai Implants and methods for treating bone
US20060089715A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2006-04-27 Csaba Truckai Implants and methods for treating bone
US20060122621A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Csaba Truckai Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060122623A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Csaba Truckai Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060122622A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Csaba Truckai Bone treatment systems and methods
WO2006062916A2 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-15 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060190083A1 (en) * 2003-07-25 2006-08-24 Uri Arnin Elastomeric spinal disc nucleus replacement
WO2006092015A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-08 Columna Pty Ltd Intervertebral disc restoration
US20060229628A1 (en) * 2004-10-02 2006-10-12 Csaba Truckai Biomedical treatment systems and methods
US20060229629A1 (en) * 2003-05-16 2006-10-12 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US20060265077A1 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-11-23 Zwirkoski Paul A Spinal repair
US20060264965A1 (en) * 2004-11-05 2006-11-23 Shadduck John H Bone treatment systems and methods
US20070135921A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2007-06-14 Park Kee B Surgical implant
US20070173943A1 (en) * 2003-01-17 2007-07-26 Dulak Gary R Artificial nucleus pulposus and method of injecting same
US20070213705A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Schmid Peter M Insulated needle and system
US20070233250A1 (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-10-04 Shadduck John H Systems for treating bone
US20070270953A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-11-22 Sdgi Holdings, Inc. Transformable spinal implants and methods of use
US20080009826A1 (en) * 2004-04-16 2008-01-10 Kyphon, Inc. Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus
US7329259B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2008-02-12 Transl Inc. Articulating spinal implant
US20080058930A1 (en) * 2006-07-21 2008-03-06 Edie Jason A Implant with nested members and methods of use
US20080065218A1 (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-03-13 O'neil Michael J Annulus fibrosus repair devices and techniques
US20080071284A1 (en) * 2004-04-26 2008-03-20 Beat Lechmann Device for Manipulating and Supplying Hollow or Intervertebral or Disk Prosthesis With Flowable Osteocementum
US20080071281A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-20 Spine Wave Inc. Modular Injection Needle and Seal Assembly
US20080132899A1 (en) * 2004-05-17 2008-06-05 Shadduck John H Composite implant and method for treating bone abnormalities
US20080133015A1 (en) * 2004-04-26 2008-06-05 Beat Lechmann Intervertebral Prosthesis or Disk Prosthesis
US20080147189A1 (en) * 2006-12-14 2008-06-19 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Vertebral Implant Containment Device and Methods of Use
US20080161929A1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-07-03 Mccormack Bruce Cervical distraction device
US20080172126A1 (en) * 2006-10-03 2008-07-17 Reynolds Martin A Nucleus pulposus injection devices and methods
US20080300598A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2008-12-04 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable Interbody Fusion Device
US20090093852A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Hynes Richard A Spinal stabilization treatment methods for maintaining axial spine height and sagital plane spine balance
US20090105823A1 (en) * 2004-09-30 2009-04-23 Synecor, Llc Artificial intervertebral disc nucleus
US20090104586A1 (en) * 2005-06-01 2009-04-23 Osseous Technologies Of America Collagen Antral Membrane Expander
US20090187249A1 (en) * 2008-01-23 2009-07-23 Osman Said G Biologic Vertebral Reconstruction
US20090234457A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2009-09-17 The Regents Of The University Of California Systems, devices and methods for treatment of intervertebral disorders
US20100030220A1 (en) * 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7682378B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2010-03-23 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods for introducing an abrading structure to abrade bone
US7722620B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2010-05-25 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7727263B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2010-06-01 Trans1, Inc. Articulating spinal implant
US7740633B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2010-06-22 Trans1 Inc. Guide pin for guiding instrumentation along a soft tissue tract to a point on the spine
US7751865B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-07-06 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US20100174320A1 (en) * 2007-07-20 2010-07-08 Dfine, Inc. Bone anchor apparatus and method
US7753941B2 (en) 2000-04-04 2010-07-13 Anulex Technologies, Inc. Devices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discs
US7789912B2 (en) 2004-01-08 2010-09-07 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and method for injecting fluent material at a distracted tissue site
US20100234958A1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2010-09-16 Linares Medical Devices, Llc Combination spacer insert and support for providing inter-cervical vertebral support
US20100249793A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2010-09-30 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7819918B2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2010-10-26 Depuy Products, Inc. Implantable tissue repair device
US7840253B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-11-23 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US7871440B2 (en) 2006-12-11 2011-01-18 Depuy Products, Inc. Unitary surgical device and method
US20110153022A1 (en) * 2008-05-30 2011-06-23 Synthes Usa, Llc Balloon-assisted annulus repair
US7976578B2 (en) * 2008-06-04 2011-07-12 James Marvel Buffer for a human joint and method of arthroscopically inserting
US7988735B2 (en) * 2005-06-15 2011-08-02 Matthew Yurek Mechanical apparatus and method for delivering materials into the inter-vertebral body space for nucleus replacement
US8012211B2 (en) * 2002-11-05 2011-09-06 Spineology, Inc. Semi-biological intervertebral disc replacement system
US8066712B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2011-11-29 Dfine, Inc. Systems for delivering bone fill material
US20110295370A1 (en) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-01 Sean Suh Spinal Implants and Methods of Use Thereof
US8070818B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2011-12-06 Jmea Corporation Disc annulus repair system
US8070753B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2011-12-06 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20120010653A1 (en) * 2010-05-17 2012-01-12 Seifert Jody L Soft Tissue Repair System
US20120022652A1 (en) * 2010-06-18 2012-01-26 Roger Berger Spine disc replacement with compliant articulating core
US20120029578A1 (en) * 2010-02-05 2012-02-02 Sean Suh Bio-Resorbable Capsule Containing Fenestrated Screw System For Osteoporotic Subject
US8109933B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2012-02-07 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8163031B2 (en) 2004-06-09 2012-04-24 Dfine, Inc. Composites and methods for treating bone
US20120150299A1 (en) * 2010-06-10 2012-06-14 Ergun Asli Integrated multi-zonal cage/core implants as bone graft substitutes and apparatus and method for their fabrication
US8211126B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2012-07-03 Jmea Corporation Tissue repair system
US8239001B2 (en) * 2003-10-17 2012-08-07 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US8267966B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2012-09-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US8361152B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2013-01-29 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US8425611B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2013-04-23 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Expandable orthopedic implant system and method
US8430887B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2013-04-30 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8449607B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2013-05-28 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc. Prosthetic tissue valve
US8487021B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2013-07-16 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8512347B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2013-08-20 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
US8562607B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2013-10-22 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20130304212A1 (en) * 2012-05-08 2013-11-14 Eric R. VonGunten Nucleus pulposus spinal implant and method of using the same
US8644907B2 (en) 1999-10-28 2014-02-04 Medtronic Navigaton, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US8679176B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2014-03-25 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc Prosthetic tissue valve
US8696679B2 (en) 2006-12-08 2014-04-15 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8696744B2 (en) 2011-05-27 2014-04-15 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc. Extracellular matrix material valve conduit and methods of making thereof
US8702718B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2014-04-22 Jmea Corporation Implantation system for tissue repair
US8715351B1 (en) 2012-11-29 2014-05-06 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device with graft chambers
US20140207193A1 (en) * 2013-01-24 2014-07-24 Kyphon Sarl Surgical system and methods of use
US8828019B1 (en) 2013-03-13 2014-09-09 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding an expandable interbody fusion device
US20140343675A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-11-20 Microaire Surgical Instruments Llc Balloon Implant Device
US8900312B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2014-12-02 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device with graft chambers
US8900304B1 (en) * 2014-06-17 2014-12-02 Abdulrazzaq Alobaid Kyphoplasty cement encapsulation balloon
US9005288B2 (en) 2008-01-09 2015-04-14 Providence Medical Techonlogy, Inc. Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint
US20150164650A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2015-06-18 Globus Medical, Inc. Intervertebral nucleus and annulus implants and methods of use thereof
USD732667S1 (en) 2012-10-23 2015-06-23 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cage spinal implant
US9078767B1 (en) 2014-03-06 2015-07-14 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable spinal interbody fusion device
US9078712B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2015-07-14 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Preformed drug-eluting device to be affixed to an anterior spinal plate
US9084616B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2015-07-21 Anova Corporation Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US20150216533A1 (en) * 2014-02-06 2015-08-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Occlusion device
US20150297349A1 (en) * 2012-12-11 2015-10-22 Dr. H.C. Robert Mathys Stiftung Bone substitute and method for producing the same
USD745156S1 (en) 2012-10-23 2015-12-08 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal implant
US9241796B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2016-01-26 Bret A. Ferree Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US9265623B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-02-23 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of expanding a spinal interbody fusion device
US20160074141A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-17 Italo Lozada Dental Prosthesis
US9295479B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-03-29 Spinal Stabilization Technologies, Llc Surgical device
US9333086B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2016-05-10 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal facet cage implant
US9351779B2 (en) * 2013-01-25 2016-05-31 Kyphon SÀRL Expandable device and methods of use
US9381049B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2016-07-05 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Composite spinal facet implant with textured surfaces
US9414864B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2016-08-16 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Anterior spinal plate with preformed drug-eluting device affixed thereto
US9439783B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-09-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding body tissue
US9445921B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-09-20 Spine Wave, Inc. Device for expanding and supporting body tissue
US9445854B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2016-09-20 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9545321B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-01-17 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Prosthetic spinal disk nucleus
US20170056193A1 (en) * 1999-08-18 2017-03-02 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Herniated disc repair
US9592130B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-03-14 Spinal Stabilization Technologies, Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US9592062B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2017-03-14 Anova Corp. Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US9592317B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2017-03-14 Dfine, Inc. Medical system and method of use
US9603610B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-28 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Tools and methods for tissue removal
US9668875B2 (en) 1999-03-07 2017-06-06 Nuvasive, Inc. Method and apparatus for computerized surgery
US20170290680A1 (en) * 2016-04-07 2017-10-12 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Surgical insertion instruments
US9814598B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-11-14 Quandary Medical, Llc Spinal implants and implantation system
US20180000603A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2018-01-04 Ortho-Space Ltd. Prosthetic devices
US9901657B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2018-02-27 Dfine, Inc. System for use in bone cement preparation and delivery
US10039584B2 (en) 2008-04-21 2018-08-07 Dfine, Inc. System for use in bone cement preparation and delivery
US10070969B2 (en) 2013-01-17 2018-09-11 Stryker European Holdings I, Llc Annulus plug for intervertebral disc repair
US10136934B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2018-11-27 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10201375B2 (en) 2014-05-28 2019-02-12 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Lateral mass fixation system
US10201421B2 (en) * 2010-08-17 2019-02-12 St. Jude Medical, Llc Tip for medical implant delivery system
USD841165S1 (en) 2015-10-13 2019-02-19 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
US10285818B2 (en) 2012-12-26 2019-05-14 Symbiomedik, Llc Apparatus, kit, and method for percutaneous intervertebral disc restoration
US10470804B2 (en) 2005-12-28 2019-11-12 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Bone anchor delivery systems and methods
US10575967B2 (en) 2015-09-01 2020-03-03 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Implantable nuclear prosthesis
USD887552S1 (en) 2016-07-01 2020-06-16 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
US10682243B2 (en) 2015-10-13 2020-06-16 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal joint implant delivery device and system
CN111513890A (en) * 2020-04-24 2020-08-11 库诺夫斯私人有限公司 Nucleus pulposus prosthesis device implanted into intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus and manufacturing method and filling device thereof
USD911525S1 (en) 2019-06-21 2021-02-23 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal cage
US10939915B2 (en) 2018-05-31 2021-03-09 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US11033398B2 (en) 2007-03-15 2021-06-15 Ortho-Space Ltd. Shoulder implant for simulating a bursa
US11058430B2 (en) * 2018-05-25 2021-07-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US11065039B2 (en) 2016-06-28 2021-07-20 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal implant and methods of using the same
US11065132B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2021-07-20 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of expanding a space between opposing tissue surfaces
US11076860B2 (en) 2014-03-31 2021-08-03 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm occlusion device
US11076861B2 (en) * 2018-10-12 2021-08-03 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Folded aneurysm treatment device and delivery method
US11083597B2 (en) 2017-09-15 2021-08-10 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Instruments for expandable interbody implants
US11123077B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2021-09-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular device positioning and deployment system
US11134953B2 (en) 2019-02-06 2021-10-05 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Adhesive cover occluding device for aneurysm treatment
USD933230S1 (en) 2019-04-15 2021-10-12 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
US11154302B2 (en) 2014-03-31 2021-10-26 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm occlusion device
US11191652B2 (en) 2010-05-17 2021-12-07 Globus Medical, Inc. Soft tissue repair system
US11224521B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2022-01-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
USD945621S1 (en) 2020-02-27 2022-03-08 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal cage
US11272964B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2022-03-15 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US11272939B2 (en) 2018-12-18 2022-03-15 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular flow diverter for treating cerebral aneurysms
US11278292B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-03-22 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Inverting braided aneurysm treatment system and method
US11331150B2 (en) 1999-10-28 2022-05-17 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US11337706B2 (en) 2019-03-27 2022-05-24 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm treatment device
US11406392B2 (en) 2018-12-12 2022-08-09 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm occluding device for use with coagulating agents
US11413046B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-08-16 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Layered braided aneurysm treatment device
US11419733B2 (en) 2018-01-12 2022-08-23 Percheron Spine, Llc Spinal disc implant and device and method for percutaneous delivery of the spinal disc implant
US11426291B2 (en) * 2008-08-13 2022-08-30 Smed-Ta/Td, Llc Orthopaedic implant with porous structural member
US11457926B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-10-04 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Implant having an intrasaccular section and intravascular section
US11497504B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-11-15 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm treatment with pushable implanted braid
US11583282B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-02-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Layered braided aneurysm treatment device
US11583288B2 (en) 2018-08-08 2023-02-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Delivery of embolic braid
US11596412B2 (en) 2018-05-25 2023-03-07 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
WO2023029202A1 (en) * 2021-09-02 2023-03-09 江苏邦士医疗科技有限公司 Plasma electrode for bladder cancer tumor resection operation
US11602350B2 (en) 2019-12-05 2023-03-14 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular inverting braid with highly flexible fill material
US11607226B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-03-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Layered braided aneurysm treatment device with corrugations
US11633287B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2023-04-25 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US11638649B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2023-05-02 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US11672543B2 (en) 2017-02-23 2023-06-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm method and system
US11672542B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-06-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm treatment with pushable ball segment
US11672540B2 (en) 2018-01-24 2023-06-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US11744710B2 (en) 2018-09-04 2023-09-05 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Implantable nuclear prosthesis, kits, and related methods
US11813172B2 (en) 2018-01-04 2023-11-14 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet screw and delivery device

Families Citing this family (54)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6287322B1 (en) * 1995-12-07 2001-09-11 Loma Linda University Medical Center Tissue opening locator and everter and method
US20040010317A1 (en) * 1999-08-18 2004-01-15 Gregory Lambrecht Devices and method for augmenting a vertebral disc
WO2009033100A1 (en) 2007-09-07 2009-03-12 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Bone anchoring systems
US6821276B2 (en) 1999-08-18 2004-11-23 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Intervertebral diagnostic and manipulation device
US7717961B2 (en) 1999-08-18 2010-05-18 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Apparatus delivery in an intervertebral disc
US8323341B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2012-12-04 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Impaction grafting for vertebral fusion
US6936072B2 (en) * 1999-08-18 2005-08-30 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Encapsulated intervertebral disc prosthesis and methods of manufacture
US7553329B2 (en) 1999-08-18 2009-06-30 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Stabilized intervertebral disc barrier
US7998213B2 (en) 1999-08-18 2011-08-16 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Intervertebral disc herniation repair
US7220281B2 (en) 1999-08-18 2007-05-22 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Implant for reinforcing and annulus fibrosis
EP1624832A4 (en) 1999-08-18 2008-12-24 Intrinsic Therapeutics Inc Devices and method for augmenting a vertebral disc nucleus
US6589269B2 (en) * 2000-02-24 2003-07-08 Loma Linda University Medical Center Patch and glue delivery system for closing tissue openings during surgery
US6890342B2 (en) 2000-08-02 2005-05-10 Loma Linda University Method and apparatus for closing vascular puncture using hemostatic material
US20050267552A1 (en) * 2004-05-26 2005-12-01 Baylis Medical Company Inc. Electrosurgical device
CN1306910C (en) 2002-06-14 2007-03-28 洛马林达大学医学中心 Vascular wound closure device and method
US7201775B2 (en) * 2002-09-24 2007-04-10 Bogomir Gorensek Stabilizing device for intervertebral disc, and methods thereof
DK1638485T3 (en) 2003-06-20 2011-05-02 Intrinsic Therapeutics Inc Device for delivery of an implant through an annular defect in an intervertebral disc
JP4722044B2 (en) 2003-08-14 2011-07-13 ローマ リンダ ユニヴァーシティ メディカル センター Vascular wound closure device
US8187627B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2012-05-29 Loma Linda University Medical Center Dressing delivery system for internal wounds
EP1694228B1 (en) * 2003-10-23 2011-08-31 TRANS1, Inc. Spinal mobility preservation apparatus
US8187268B2 (en) 2004-05-26 2012-05-29 Kimberly-Clark, Inc. Electrosurgical apparatus having a temperature sensor
US8690883B2 (en) * 2004-06-29 2014-04-08 Spine Wave, Inc. Articulating injection cannula and seal assembly
US7678148B2 (en) * 2004-07-23 2010-03-16 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Expandable spinal implant having interlocking geometry for structural support
WO2006020531A2 (en) * 2004-08-09 2006-02-23 Trans1, Inc. Prosthetic nucleus apparatus and methods
US8060219B2 (en) 2004-12-20 2011-11-15 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Epicardial patch including isolated extracellular matrix with pacing electrodes
US20060134071A1 (en) * 2004-12-20 2006-06-22 Jeffrey Ross Use of extracellular matrix and electrical therapy
US8874204B2 (en) 2004-12-20 2014-10-28 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Implantable medical devices comprising isolated extracellular matrix
US7981065B2 (en) 2004-12-20 2011-07-19 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Lead electrode incorporating extracellular matrix
US7879103B2 (en) * 2005-04-15 2011-02-01 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Vertebral disc repair
US20070049849A1 (en) * 2005-05-24 2007-03-01 Schwardt Jeffrey D Bone probe apparatus and method of use
WO2007044510A1 (en) 2005-10-05 2007-04-19 Loma Linda University Medical Center Vascular wound closure device and method
EP2076220A2 (en) 2006-07-25 2009-07-08 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Packed demineralized cancellous tissue forms for disc nucleus augmentation, restoration, or replacement and methods of implantation
US7758649B2 (en) * 2006-08-04 2010-07-20 Integrity Intellect Inc. Reversibly deformable implant
US8523901B2 (en) 2007-08-14 2013-09-03 Illuminoss Medical, Inc. Apparatus and methods for attaching soft tissue to bone
US9333090B2 (en) 2010-01-13 2016-05-10 Jcbd, Llc Systems for and methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint
US9554909B2 (en) 2012-07-20 2017-01-31 Jcbd, Llc Orthopedic anchoring system and methods
US9381045B2 (en) 2010-01-13 2016-07-05 Jcbd, Llc Sacroiliac joint implant and sacroiliac joint instrument for fusing a sacroiliac joint
SG182463A1 (en) 2010-01-13 2012-08-30 Jcbd Llc Sacroiliac joint fixation fusion system
US9421109B2 (en) 2010-01-13 2016-08-23 Jcbd, Llc Systems and methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint
US8353957B2 (en) * 2010-04-20 2013-01-15 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Expandable medical device and method
US8518114B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2013-08-27 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Expandable implant system and methods of use
EP2720628B1 (en) 2011-06-17 2021-08-11 Jcbd, Llc Sacroiliac joint implant system
US20140172102A1 (en) * 2012-12-13 2014-06-19 Louis Bojrab Systems and methods for reducing pressure within a spinal disc
US10245087B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-02 Jcbd, Llc Systems and methods for fusing a sacroiliac joint and anchoring an orthopedic appliance
US9717539B2 (en) 2013-07-30 2017-08-01 Jcbd, Llc Implants, systems, and methods for fusing a sacroiliac joint
US9826986B2 (en) 2013-07-30 2017-11-28 Jcbd, Llc Systems for and methods of preparing a sacroiliac joint for fusion
US9700356B2 (en) 2013-07-30 2017-07-11 Jcbd, Llc Systems for and methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint
US9801546B2 (en) 2014-05-27 2017-10-31 Jcbd, Llc Systems for and methods of diagnosing and treating a sacroiliac joint disorder
CN106562843B (en) * 2016-10-20 2018-12-04 徐宝山 Mesh bag tying method, cuff components, bone fusion device and bone fusion device application method
EP3624708A1 (en) 2017-05-19 2020-03-25 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal fixation access and delivery system
WO2018232100A1 (en) * 2017-06-14 2018-12-20 Osteoagra Llc Stabilization of vertebral bodies with bone particle slurry
US20200146737A1 (en) * 2017-06-14 2020-05-14 Osteoagra Llc Method, composition, and apparatus for stabilization of vertebral bodies
US10603055B2 (en) 2017-09-15 2020-03-31 Jcbd, Llc Systems for and methods of preparing and fusing a sacroiliac joint
CN113229925B (en) * 2021-03-27 2023-05-05 南京医科大学附属南京医院 Ablation method based on nucleus pulposus ablation pressure measurement application

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6419702B1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2002-07-16 Bret A. Ferree Treating degenerative disc disease through transplantation of the nucleus pulposis

Family Cites Families (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3875595A (en) * 1974-04-15 1975-04-08 Edward C Froning Intervertebral disc prosthesis and instruments for locating same
US4269174A (en) * 1979-08-06 1981-05-26 Medical Dynamics, Inc. Transcutaneous vasectomy apparatus and method
US4301802A (en) * 1980-03-17 1981-11-24 Stanley Poler Cauterizing tool for ophthalmological surgery
US4863477A (en) 1987-05-12 1989-09-05 Monson Gary L Synthetic intervertebral disc prosthesis
US4772287A (en) 1987-08-20 1988-09-20 Cedar Surgical, Inc. Prosthetic disc and method of implanting
FR2639823A1 (en) * 1988-12-06 1990-06-08 Garcia Alain Replacement of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc by a polyurethane polymerised in situ
DE3922203C1 (en) * 1989-07-06 1990-10-25 Martin Nolde Surgical instrument for the implantation of an intervertebral disc core prosthesis
US4998934A (en) * 1989-08-21 1991-03-12 Gerald Bernstein Needle adaptor for an electrosurgical tool
US5123926A (en) 1991-02-22 1992-06-23 Madhavan Pisharodi Artificial spinal prosthesis
US5888220A (en) * 1994-05-06 1999-03-30 Advanced Bio Surfaces, Inc. Articulating joint repair
US5571189A (en) * 1994-05-20 1996-11-05 Kuslich; Stephen D. Expandable fabric implant for stabilizing the spinal motion segment
EP0700671B1 (en) * 1994-09-08 2001-08-08 Stryker Technologies Corporation Hydrogel intervertebral disc nucleus
US5964807A (en) 1996-08-08 1999-10-12 Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania Compositions and methods for intervertebral disc reformation
EP0873145A2 (en) * 1996-11-15 1998-10-28 Advanced Bio Surfaces, Inc. Biomaterial system for in situ tissue repair
CA2267310C (en) * 1996-12-10 2012-09-18 Purdue Research Foundation Stomach submucosa derived tissue graft
DE19710392C1 (en) * 1997-03-13 1999-07-01 Haehnel Michael Slipped disc implant comprises an extensible, hinged or wound body
US6022376A (en) 1997-06-06 2000-02-08 Raymedica, Inc. Percutaneous prosthetic spinal disc nucleus and method of manufacture
AU8386798A (en) * 1997-07-09 1999-02-08 Tegementa, L.L.C. Interbody device and method for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral collapse
GB9714580D0 (en) * 1997-07-10 1997-09-17 Wardlaw Douglas Prosthetic intervertebral disc nucleus
US6146380A (en) * 1998-01-09 2000-11-14 Radionics, Inc. Bent tip electrical surgical probe
US6224630B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2001-05-01 Advanced Bio Surfaces, Inc. Implantable tissue repair device
US6283998B1 (en) 1999-05-13 2001-09-04 Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Arkansas Alloplastic vertebral disk replacement
US6245107B1 (en) * 1999-05-28 2001-06-12 Bret A. Ferree Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6419702B1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2002-07-16 Bret A. Ferree Treating degenerative disc disease through transplantation of the nucleus pulposis

Cited By (428)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9668875B2 (en) 1999-03-07 2017-06-06 Nuvasive, Inc. Method and apparatus for computerized surgery
US9084616B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2015-07-21 Anova Corporation Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US10327907B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2019-06-25 Suture Concepts Inc. Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US9592062B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2017-03-14 Anova Corp. Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US9241796B2 (en) 1999-05-28 2016-01-26 Bret A. Ferree Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graft
US20170056193A1 (en) * 1999-08-18 2017-03-02 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Herniated disc repair
US7901430B2 (en) 1999-09-20 2011-03-08 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US9277903B2 (en) 1999-09-20 2016-03-08 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US6964674B1 (en) * 1999-09-20 2005-11-15 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device
US20050155612A1 (en) * 1999-09-20 2005-07-21 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US20080140108A1 (en) * 1999-09-20 2008-06-12 Nuvasive, Inc Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US7883527B2 (en) 1999-09-20 2011-02-08 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US20080071301A1 (en) * 1999-09-20 2008-03-20 Nuvasive, Inc. Annulotomy closure device and related methods
US6969404B2 (en) * 1999-10-08 2005-11-29 Ferree Bret A Annulus fibrosis augmentation methods and apparatus
US20020165542A1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2002-11-07 Ferree Bret A. Annulus fibrosis augmentation methods and apparatus
US20060036189A1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2006-02-16 Surgical Navigational Technologies, Inc. Surgical sensor
US8057407B2 (en) 1999-10-28 2011-11-15 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Surgical sensor
US9504530B2 (en) 1999-10-28 2016-11-29 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US11331150B2 (en) 1999-10-28 2022-05-17 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US8644907B2 (en) 1999-10-28 2014-02-04 Medtronic Navigaton, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US7744599B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2010-06-29 Trans1 Inc. Articulating spinal implant
US7329259B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2008-02-12 Transl Inc. Articulating spinal implant
US7727263B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2010-06-01 Trans1, Inc. Articulating spinal implant
US7905923B2 (en) 2000-04-04 2011-03-15 Anulex Technologies, Inc. Devices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discs
US7753941B2 (en) 2000-04-04 2010-07-13 Anulex Technologies, Inc. Devices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discs
US20020161223A1 (en) * 2001-01-30 2002-10-31 Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. Isocyanurate compound and method for producing the same
US20110009870A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2011-01-13 Spine Wave, Inc. apparatus for spinal fusion
US20050171552A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2005-08-04 Wes Johnson Tissue distraction device
US8974464B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2015-03-10 Spine Wave, Inc. Expansion member for insertion into a body tissue space
US10335290B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2019-07-02 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20090234361A9 (en) * 2001-03-08 2009-09-17 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue Distraction Device
US9655743B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2017-05-23 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US9545318B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2017-01-17 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20090182339A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2009-07-16 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue Distraction Device
US20040220580A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2004-11-04 Wes Johnson Tissue distraction device
US7153305B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2006-12-26 Spine Wave, Inc. Method for treating tibial plateau compression fractures
US20090171393A9 (en) * 2001-03-08 2009-07-02 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue Distraction Device
US9913731B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2018-03-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US8535353B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2013-09-17 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of providing spinal interbody fusion
US7744637B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2010-06-29 Spine Wave, Inc. Method for restoring vertebral body height
US7749255B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2010-07-06 Spine Wave, Inc. Method for fusing adjacent bones
US7780734B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2010-08-24 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US8343193B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2013-01-01 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of supporting and distracting opposing vertebral bodies
US8337531B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2012-12-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of supporting and distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spine
US7780707B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2010-08-24 Spine Wave, Inc. Method for reducing a vertebra using stacked elements
US20050187558A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2005-08-25 Johnson Wesley D. Tissue distraction device
US7799034B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2010-09-21 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US20110009971A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2011-01-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and Kit for Distraction of Tissue Surfaces
US7811331B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2010-10-12 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US7905885B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2011-03-15 Spine Wave, Inc. Reduction system for restoration of a vertebral body
US8206398B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2012-06-26 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus for spinal fusion
US20080027454A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2008-01-31 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue Distraction Device
US20070179612A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2007-08-02 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue Distraction Device
US20080027437A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2008-01-31 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue Distraction Device
US7311713B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2007-12-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of interbody fusion with stacked elements
US8123755B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2012-02-28 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US8075623B2 (en) 2001-03-08 2011-12-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and kit for distraction of tissue surfaces
US20020147461A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2002-10-10 Aldrich William N. Apparatus and methods for closing openings in spinal discs
WO2003002021A3 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-11-20 Univ California Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
US20090234457A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2009-09-17 The Regents Of The University Of California Systems, devices and methods for treatment of intervertebral disorders
US20060293751A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2006-12-28 Lotz Jeffrey C Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
US20030033017A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-02-13 The Regents Of The University Of California Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
US7156877B2 (en) * 2001-06-29 2007-01-02 The Regents Of The University Of California Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
US7641691B2 (en) 2001-06-29 2010-01-05 The Regents Of The University Of California Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
WO2003002021A2 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-01-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Biodegradable/bioactive nucleus pulposus implant and method for treating degenerated intervertebral discs
US7819918B2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2010-10-26 Depuy Products, Inc. Implantable tissue repair device
US20040158248A1 (en) * 2001-09-06 2004-08-12 Ginn Richard S. Apparatus and methods for treating spinal discs
US20050015151A1 (en) * 2001-09-14 2005-01-20 Frederic Fortin Nucleus prosthesis, the insertion device therefor and the method of fitting same
US7267692B2 (en) * 2001-09-14 2007-09-11 Frederic Fortin Nucleus prosthesis, the insertion device therefor and the method of fitting same
US20050130929A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2005-06-16 Boyd Lawrence M. System and method for the pretreatment of the endplates of an intervertebral disc
US20040068268A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2004-04-08 Boyd Lawrence M. Devices and methods for the restoration of a spinal disc
US7575577B2 (en) * 2001-11-01 2009-08-18 Spinewave Devices and methods for the restoration of a spinal disc
US8450288B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2013-05-28 Spine Wave, Inc. System and method for the pretreatment of the endplates of an intervertebral disc
US20050090901A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2005-04-28 Armin Studer Intervertebral disk prosthesis or nucleus replacement prosthesis
US8012211B2 (en) * 2002-11-05 2011-09-06 Spineology, Inc. Semi-biological intervertebral disc replacement system
US20120116514A1 (en) * 2002-11-05 2012-05-10 Kuslich Stephen D Semi-biological intervertebral disc replacement system
US20040127992A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-07-01 Serhan Hassan A. Annular nucleus pulposus replacement
US8425543B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2013-04-23 Depuy Acromed Annular nucleus pulposus replacement
US7004971B2 (en) * 2002-12-31 2006-02-28 Depuy Acromed, Inc. Annular nucleus pulposus replacement
US20060106410A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2006-05-18 Serhan Hassan A Annular nucleus pulposus replacement
US20070173943A1 (en) * 2003-01-17 2007-07-26 Dulak Gary R Artificial nucleus pulposus and method of injecting same
US20040220672A1 (en) * 2003-05-03 2004-11-04 Shadduck John H. Orthopedic implants, methods of use and methods of fabrication
US7674278B2 (en) 2003-05-16 2010-03-09 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US20060229629A1 (en) * 2003-05-16 2006-10-12 Spine Wave, Inc. Tissue distraction device
US20040247849A1 (en) * 2003-06-05 2004-12-09 Csaba Truckai Polymer composites for biomedical applications and methods of making
US9907556B2 (en) 2003-06-05 2018-03-06 Dfine, Inc. Polymer composites for biomedical applications and methods of making
US7569626B2 (en) 2003-06-05 2009-08-04 Dfine, Inc. Polymer composites for biomedical applications and methods of making
US7758647B2 (en) * 2003-07-25 2010-07-20 Impliant Ltd. Elastomeric spinal disc nucleus replacement
US20060190083A1 (en) * 2003-07-25 2006-08-24 Uri Arnin Elastomeric spinal disc nucleus replacement
US20050071012A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-03-31 Hassan Serhan Methods and devices to replace spinal disc nucleus pulposus
US7818044B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-10-19 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US8359730B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2013-01-29 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method of forming an electromagnetic sensing coil in a medical instrument
US7751865B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-07-06 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US7840253B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-11-23 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US8239001B2 (en) * 2003-10-17 2012-08-07 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US8549732B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2013-10-08 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method of forming an electromagnetic sensing coil in a medical instrument
US8271069B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2012-09-18 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
US7971341B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2011-07-05 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Method of forming an electromagnetic sensing coil in a medical instrument for a surgical navigation system
US7914535B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2011-03-29 Trans1 Inc. Method and apparatus for manipulating material in the spine
US7740633B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2010-06-22 Trans1 Inc. Guide pin for guiding instrumentation along a soft tissue tract to a point on the spine
US8052613B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2011-11-08 Trans1 Inc. Spinal nucleus extraction tool
US7763025B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2010-07-27 Trans1 Inc. Spinal fusion kit for guiding instrumentation through soft tissue to a point on the spine
US7799033B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2010-09-21 Trans1 Inc. Access kits for enabling axial access and procedures in the spine
US7799032B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2010-09-21 Trans1 Inc. Guide pin introducer for guiding instrumentation through soft tissue to a point on the spine
US20050171541A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2005-08-04 Boehm Frank H.Jr. Device for lumbar surgery
US20110004217A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2011-01-06 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and Method for Injecting Fluent Material at a Distracted Tissue Site
US8246630B2 (en) 2004-01-08 2012-08-21 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and method for injecting fluent material at a distracted tissue site
US7789912B2 (en) 2004-01-08 2010-09-07 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and method for injecting fluent material at a distracted tissue site
US8197544B1 (en) 2004-01-08 2012-06-12 Spine Wave, Inc. Method for distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spine
US8317802B1 (en) 2004-01-08 2012-11-27 Spine Wave, Inc. System for distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spine
US7905874B2 (en) 2004-04-16 2011-03-15 Kyphon Sarl Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus
US20080009826A1 (en) * 2004-04-16 2008-01-10 Kyphon, Inc. Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus
US8157786B2 (en) 2004-04-16 2012-04-17 Kyphon Sarl Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus
US20090054935A1 (en) * 2004-04-16 2009-02-26 Kyphon Sarl Spinal Diagnostic Methods and Apparatus
US7955312B2 (en) 2004-04-16 2011-06-07 Kyphon Sarl Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus
US8992618B2 (en) 2004-04-26 2015-03-31 DePuy Synthes Products, LLC Intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis
US20080133015A1 (en) * 2004-04-26 2008-06-05 Beat Lechmann Intervertebral Prosthesis or Disk Prosthesis
US10085851B2 (en) 2004-04-26 2018-10-02 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis
US10646353B2 (en) 2004-04-26 2020-05-12 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis
US10653532B2 (en) 2004-04-26 2020-05-19 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis
US20080071284A1 (en) * 2004-04-26 2008-03-20 Beat Lechmann Device for Manipulating and Supplying Hollow or Intervertebral or Disk Prosthesis With Flowable Osteocementum
US9408719B2 (en) 2004-04-26 2016-08-09 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis
US9700432B2 (en) 2004-04-26 2017-07-11 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis
US20080132899A1 (en) * 2004-05-17 2008-06-05 Shadduck John H Composite implant and method for treating bone abnormalities
US7749268B2 (en) * 2004-05-26 2010-07-06 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Methods for treating the spine
US20050267577A1 (en) * 2004-05-26 2005-12-01 Trieu Hai H Methods for treating the spine
US8343221B2 (en) 2004-05-26 2013-01-01 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Methods for treating the spine
US20100137986A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2010-06-03 Dfine, Inc. Implants and methods for treating bone
US8409289B2 (en) 2004-06-07 2013-04-02 Dfine, Inc. Implants and methods for treating bone
US20060085081A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2006-04-20 Shadduck John H Implants and methods for treating bone
US20060089715A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2006-04-27 Csaba Truckai Implants and methods for treating bone
US7621952B2 (en) 2004-06-07 2009-11-24 Dfine, Inc. Implants and methods for treating bone
US8163031B2 (en) 2004-06-09 2012-04-24 Dfine, Inc. Composites and methods for treating bone
US8734520B2 (en) 2004-06-10 2014-05-27 Spinal Ventures, Llc Device and method for securing a fastener
US20050278023A1 (en) * 2004-06-10 2005-12-15 Zwirkoski Paul A Method and apparatus for filling a cavity
US7682400B2 (en) 2004-06-10 2010-03-23 Spinal Ventures, Llc Non-soft tissue repair
US9526539B2 (en) 2004-06-10 2016-12-27 Spinal Ventures, Llc Non-soft tissue repair
US7740660B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2010-06-22 Spine Wave, Inc. Methods for treating defects and injuries of an intervertebral disc
US20060009851A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-12 Keith Collins Percutaneous methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
US7789913B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2010-09-07 Spine Wave, Inc. Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
US20060009778A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-12 Keith Collins Methods for treating defects and injuries of an intervertebral disc
US20060004326A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-05 Keith Collins Apparatus and kit for injecting a curable biomaterial into into an intervertebral space
US20060004458A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-05 Keith Collins Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
US8337557B2 (en) * 2004-06-29 2012-12-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and kit for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
US7722579B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2010-05-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Devices for injecting a curable biomaterial into a intervertebral space
US7837733B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2010-11-23 Spine Wave, Inc. Percutaneous methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
US7556650B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2009-07-07 Spine Wave, Inc. Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
US20060085009A1 (en) * 2004-08-09 2006-04-20 Csaba Truckai Implants and methods for treating bone
US20060058807A1 (en) * 2004-08-25 2006-03-16 Michael Landry Expandable interbody fusion device
US7875078B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2011-01-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20110213465A1 (en) * 2004-08-25 2011-09-01 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US10195052B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2019-02-05 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US9675469B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2017-06-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20060058880A1 (en) * 2004-08-25 2006-03-16 Steve Wysocki Expandable interbody fusion device
US8337562B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2012-12-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Device for distracting body tissue
US10828172B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2020-11-10 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US7931688B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2011-04-26 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US9095446B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2015-08-04 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US9192484B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2015-11-24 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US8641767B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2014-02-04 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20090105823A1 (en) * 2004-09-30 2009-04-23 Synecor, Llc Artificial intervertebral disc nucleus
US20060229628A1 (en) * 2004-10-02 2006-10-12 Csaba Truckai Biomedical treatment systems and methods
US8048083B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2011-11-01 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060264965A1 (en) * 2004-11-05 2006-11-23 Shadduck John H Bone treatment systems and methods
US8932300B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2015-01-13 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8241335B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2012-08-14 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods for introducing an abrading structure to abrade bone
US7682378B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2010-03-23 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods for introducing an abrading structure to abrade bone
US8562607B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2013-10-22 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
WO2006062916A2 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-15 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7717918B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2010-05-18 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10172659B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2019-01-08 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060122621A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Csaba Truckai Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060122623A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Csaba Truckai Bone treatment systems and methods
US9005210B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2015-04-14 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060122622A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Csaba Truckai Bone treatment systems and methods
US8348955B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2013-01-08 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7678116B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2010-03-16 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8192442B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2012-06-05 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7559932B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2009-07-14 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8070753B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2011-12-06 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9610110B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2017-04-04 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US11026734B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2021-06-08 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7722620B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2010-05-25 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
WO2006062916A3 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-08-10 Dfine Inc Bone treatment systems and methods
US20060265077A1 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-11-23 Zwirkoski Paul A Spinal repair
CN101132748B (en) * 2005-03-01 2010-06-16 斯拜恩塞尔有限公司 Intervertebral disc restoration
WO2006092015A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-08 Columna Pty Ltd Intervertebral disc restoration
US20080195210A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2008-08-14 Columna Pty Ltd Intervertebral Disc Restoration
US8317868B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2012-11-27 Jmea Corporation Disc repair system
US8070818B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2011-12-06 Jmea Corporation Disc annulus repair system
US8961530B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2015-02-24 Jmea Corporation Implantation system for tissue repair
US8177847B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2012-05-15 Jmea Corporation Disc repair system
US8702718B2 (en) 2005-04-29 2014-04-22 Jmea Corporation Implantation system for tissue repair
US20090104586A1 (en) * 2005-06-01 2009-04-23 Osseous Technologies Of America Collagen Antral Membrane Expander
US7988735B2 (en) * 2005-06-15 2011-08-02 Matthew Yurek Mechanical apparatus and method for delivering materials into the inter-vertebral body space for nucleus replacement
US9572613B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2017-02-21 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10278754B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2019-05-07 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9592317B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2017-03-14 Dfine, Inc. Medical system and method of use
US9161797B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2015-10-20 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US11672579B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2023-06-13 Dfine Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10136934B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2018-11-27 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8066712B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2011-11-29 Dfine, Inc. Systems for delivering bone fill material
US8551172B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2013-10-08 Kee B. Park Inflatable disk implant
US20070135921A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2007-06-14 Park Kee B Surgical implant
US20080140109A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2008-06-12 Park Kee B Surgical implant
US11185354B2 (en) 2005-12-28 2021-11-30 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Bone anchor delivery systems and methods
US10470804B2 (en) 2005-12-28 2019-11-12 Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. Bone anchor delivery systems and methods
US20070233249A1 (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-10-04 Shadduck John H Methods for treating bone
US20070233250A1 (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-10-04 Shadduck John H Systems for treating bone
US20070213705A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Schmid Peter M Insulated needle and system
US20070270953A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-11-22 Sdgi Holdings, Inc. Transformable spinal implants and methods of use
US7993404B2 (en) 2006-03-29 2011-08-09 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Transformable spinal implants and methods of use
US7731752B2 (en) * 2006-07-21 2010-06-08 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Implant with nested members and methods of use
US20080058930A1 (en) * 2006-07-21 2008-03-06 Edie Jason A Implant with nested members and methods of use
US20080071281A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-20 Spine Wave Inc. Modular Injection Needle and Seal Assembly
US8357168B2 (en) 2006-09-08 2013-01-22 Spine Wave, Inc. Modular injection needle and seal assembly
US20080065218A1 (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-03-13 O'neil Michael J Annulus fibrosus repair devices and techniques
US20080172126A1 (en) * 2006-10-03 2008-07-17 Reynolds Martin A Nucleus pulposus injection devices and methods
US8696679B2 (en) 2006-12-08 2014-04-15 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US7871440B2 (en) 2006-12-11 2011-01-18 Depuy Products, Inc. Unitary surgical device and method
US7875079B2 (en) * 2006-12-14 2011-01-25 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Vertebral implant containment device and methods of use
US20080147189A1 (en) * 2006-12-14 2008-06-19 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Vertebral Implant Containment Device and Methods of Use
US8348979B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2013-01-08 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction method
US9622873B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2017-04-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction method
US8834530B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2014-09-16 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction method
US20080161929A1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-07-03 Mccormack Bruce Cervical distraction device
US10219910B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2019-03-05 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction method
US11285010B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2022-03-29 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction method
US7824431B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2010-11-02 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction method
US11033398B2 (en) 2007-03-15 2021-06-15 Ortho-Space Ltd. Shoulder implant for simulating a bursa
US8109933B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2012-02-07 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8523871B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2013-09-03 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8556910B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2013-10-15 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8764761B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2014-07-01 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US8430887B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2013-04-30 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9980827B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2018-05-29 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US8349014B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2013-01-08 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable device for distracting spinal tissue surfaces
US9095447B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2015-08-04 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20080300598A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2008-12-04 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable Interbody Fusion Device
US8900313B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2014-12-02 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US9610175B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2017-04-04 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US11013614B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2021-05-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US9381094B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2016-07-05 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US7967867B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2011-06-28 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US10292835B2 (en) 2007-05-31 2019-05-21 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device
US20100174320A1 (en) * 2007-07-20 2010-07-08 Dfine, Inc. Bone anchor apparatus and method
US9597118B2 (en) 2007-07-20 2017-03-21 Dfine, Inc. Bone anchor apparatus and method
US20090093852A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Hynes Richard A Spinal stabilization treatment methods for maintaining axial spine height and sagital plane spine balance
US8888850B2 (en) * 2007-11-19 2014-11-18 Linares Medical Devices, Llc Combination spacer insert and support for providing inter-cervical vertebral support
US20100234958A1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2010-09-16 Linares Medical Devices, Llc Combination spacer insert and support for providing inter-cervical vertebral support
US8679176B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2014-03-25 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc Prosthetic tissue valve
US8449607B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2013-05-28 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc. Prosthetic tissue valve
US9005288B2 (en) 2008-01-09 2015-04-14 Providence Medical Techonlogy, Inc. Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint
US8292961B2 (en) * 2008-01-23 2012-10-23 Osman Said G Biologic vertebral reconstruction
US9414929B2 (en) 2008-01-23 2016-08-16 Amendia, Inc. Biologic vertebral reconstruction
US9023048B2 (en) 2008-01-23 2015-05-05 Amendia, Inc. Biologic vertebral reconstruction
US20090187249A1 (en) * 2008-01-23 2009-07-23 Osman Said G Biologic Vertebral Reconstruction
US8487021B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2013-07-16 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10080817B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2018-09-25 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10695117B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2020-06-30 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9161798B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2015-10-20 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9445854B2 (en) 2008-02-01 2016-09-20 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US20100249793A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2010-09-30 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9216195B2 (en) 2008-02-28 2015-12-22 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US9821085B2 (en) 2008-02-28 2017-11-21 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US10039584B2 (en) 2008-04-21 2018-08-07 Dfine, Inc. System for use in bone cement preparation and delivery
US20110153022A1 (en) * 2008-05-30 2011-06-23 Synthes Usa, Llc Balloon-assisted annulus repair
US7976578B2 (en) * 2008-06-04 2011-07-12 James Marvel Buffer for a human joint and method of arthroscopically inserting
US10039649B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2018-08-07 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Composite spinal facet implant with textured surfaces
US10456175B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2019-10-29 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US10238501B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2019-03-26 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
US11224521B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2022-01-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
US9381049B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2016-07-05 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Composite spinal facet implant with textured surfaces
US8623054B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2014-01-07 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US11272964B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2022-03-15 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US9622791B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2017-04-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US11890038B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2024-02-06 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US10226285B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2019-03-12 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US8425558B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2013-04-23 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US9622874B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2017-04-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
US8512347B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2013-08-20 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
US10149673B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2018-12-11 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US11058553B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2021-07-13 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal facet cage implant
US8828062B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2014-09-09 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US10588672B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2020-03-17 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US9011492B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2015-04-21 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US10568666B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2020-02-25 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US11141144B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2021-10-12 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US8753347B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2014-06-17 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US8753345B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2014-06-17 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US9333086B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2016-05-10 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal facet cage implant
US10172721B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2019-01-08 Providence Technology, Inc. Spinal facet cage implant
US8753377B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2014-06-17 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US9629665B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2017-04-25 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US8361152B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2013-01-29 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US8834472B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2014-09-16 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
US8267966B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2012-09-18 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet joint implants and delivery tools
US20100030220A1 (en) * 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Dfine, Inc. Bone treatment systems and methods
US11426291B2 (en) * 2008-08-13 2022-08-30 Smed-Ta/Td, Llc Orthopaedic implant with porous structural member
US9901657B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2018-02-27 Dfine, Inc. System for use in bone cement preparation and delivery
US9592130B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-03-14 Spinal Stabilization Technologies, Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US10028839B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2018-07-24 Spinal Stabilization Technologies, Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US9078712B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2015-07-14 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Preformed drug-eluting device to be affixed to an anterior spinal plate
US9414864B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2016-08-16 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Anterior spinal plate with preformed drug-eluting device affixed thereto
US8603118B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2013-12-10 Jmea Corporation Tissue repair system
US8211126B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2012-07-03 Jmea Corporation Tissue repair system
US20120029578A1 (en) * 2010-02-05 2012-02-02 Sean Suh Bio-Resorbable Capsule Containing Fenestrated Screw System For Osteoporotic Subject
US20150164650A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2015-06-18 Globus Medical, Inc. Intervertebral nucleus and annulus implants and methods of use thereof
US9597193B2 (en) * 2010-03-17 2017-03-21 Globus Medical, Inc. Intervertebral nucleus and annulus implants and methods of use thereof
US9943297B2 (en) * 2010-05-17 2018-04-17 Globus Medical, Inc. Soft tissue repair system
US11191652B2 (en) 2010-05-17 2021-12-07 Globus Medical, Inc. Soft tissue repair system
US20120010653A1 (en) * 2010-05-17 2012-01-12 Seifert Jody L Soft Tissue Repair System
US20110295370A1 (en) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-01 Sean Suh Spinal Implants and Methods of Use Thereof
US20120150299A1 (en) * 2010-06-10 2012-06-14 Ergun Asli Integrated multi-zonal cage/core implants as bone graft substitutes and apparatus and method for their fabrication
US9084681B2 (en) * 2010-06-18 2015-07-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Spine disc replacement with compliant articulating core
US20120022652A1 (en) * 2010-06-18 2012-01-26 Roger Berger Spine disc replacement with compliant articulating core
US10201421B2 (en) * 2010-08-17 2019-02-12 St. Jude Medical, Llc Tip for medical implant delivery system
US8425611B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2013-04-23 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. Expandable orthopedic implant system and method
US8696744B2 (en) 2011-05-27 2014-04-15 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc. Extracellular matrix material valve conduit and methods of making thereof
US8845719B2 (en) 2011-05-27 2014-09-30 Cormatrix Cardiovascular, Inc Extracellular matrix material conduits and methods of making and using same
US20180000603A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2018-01-04 Ortho-Space Ltd. Prosthetic devices
US11826228B2 (en) 2011-10-18 2023-11-28 Stryker European Operations Limited Prosthetic devices
US20180036135A1 (en) * 2012-05-08 2018-02-08 Eric R. VonGunten Method of replacing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc
US20130304212A1 (en) * 2012-05-08 2013-11-14 Eric R. VonGunten Nucleus pulposus spinal implant and method of using the same
US9814593B2 (en) 2012-05-08 2017-11-14 Eric R. VonGunten Nucleus pulposus spinal implant and method of using the same
US9095443B2 (en) * 2012-05-08 2015-08-04 Eric R. VonGunten Nucleus pulposus spinal implant and method of using the same
US10369001B2 (en) * 2012-05-08 2019-08-06 Eric R. VonGunten Method of replacing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc
USRE48501E1 (en) 2012-10-23 2021-04-06 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cage spinal implant
USD745156S1 (en) 2012-10-23 2015-12-08 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal implant
USD732667S1 (en) 2012-10-23 2015-06-23 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cage spinal implant
US9480578B2 (en) 2012-11-29 2016-11-01 Spine Wave, Inc Expandable interbody fusion device with graft chambers
US8715351B1 (en) 2012-11-29 2014-05-06 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device with graft chambers
US20150297349A1 (en) * 2012-12-11 2015-10-22 Dr. H.C. Robert Mathys Stiftung Bone substitute and method for producing the same
US9907654B2 (en) * 2012-12-11 2018-03-06 Dr. H.C. Robert Mathys Stiftung Bone substitute and method for producing the same
US10285818B2 (en) 2012-12-26 2019-05-14 Symbiomedik, Llc Apparatus, kit, and method for percutaneous intervertebral disc restoration
US10070969B2 (en) 2013-01-17 2018-09-11 Stryker European Holdings I, Llc Annulus plug for intervertebral disc repair
US20140207193A1 (en) * 2013-01-24 2014-07-24 Kyphon Sarl Surgical system and methods of use
US9192420B2 (en) * 2013-01-24 2015-11-24 Kyphon Sarl Surgical system and methods of use
US9713534B2 (en) 2013-01-24 2017-07-25 Kyphon SÀRL Surgical system and methods of use
US9351779B2 (en) * 2013-01-25 2016-05-31 Kyphon SÀRL Expandable device and methods of use
US9517142B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-12-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Insert for insertion into an expandable spinal interbody fusion device
US9517140B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-12-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion
US10022242B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-07-17 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion
US9517141B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-12-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion
US8900312B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2014-12-02 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable interbody fusion device with graft chambers
US9949844B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-04-24 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion
US10376387B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2019-08-13 Spine Wave, Inc Apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion
US8828019B1 (en) 2013-03-13 2014-09-09 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding an expandable interbody fusion device
US9545313B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2017-01-17 Spine Wave, Inc. Apparatus and method for expanding opposing body tissue
US9039767B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-05-26 Spine Wave, Inc. Method and inserter for interbody fusion
US11406513B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2022-08-09 Spinal Stabilization Technologies, Llc Prosthetic spinal disk nucleus
US10195042B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-02-05 Microaire Surgical Instruments Llc Balloon implant device
US9913728B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-03-13 Quandary Medical, Llc Spinal implants and implantation system
US9814598B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-11-14 Quandary Medical, Llc Spinal implants and implantation system
US9545321B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-01-17 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Prosthetic spinal disk nucleus
US9345577B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2016-05-24 Microaire Surgical Instruments Llc Balloon implant device
US9295479B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-03-29 Spinal Stabilization Technologies, Llc Surgical device
US20140343675A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-11-20 Microaire Surgical Instruments Llc Balloon Implant Device
US10582943B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-03-10 Depuy Synthes Products Llc Tools and methods for tissue removal
US9603610B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-28 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Tools and methods for tissue removal
US11534194B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-12-27 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Tools and methods for tissue removal
US9987014B2 (en) * 2014-02-06 2018-06-05 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Occlusion device
US20150216533A1 (en) * 2014-02-06 2015-08-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Occlusion device
US10856882B2 (en) * 2014-02-06 2020-12-08 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Occlusion device
US11065132B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2021-07-20 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of expanding a space between opposing tissue surfaces
US9114026B1 (en) 2014-03-06 2015-08-25 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for an expandable spinal interbody fusion device
US9439783B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-09-13 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding body tissue
US9445921B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-09-20 Spine Wave, Inc. Device for expanding and supporting body tissue
US9265623B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2016-02-23 Spine Wave, Inc. Method of expanding a spinal interbody fusion device
US10314722B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2019-06-11 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding an expandable device
US9078767B1 (en) 2014-03-06 2015-07-14 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable spinal interbody fusion device
US9084686B1 (en) 2014-03-06 2015-07-21 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for an expandable spinal interbody fusion device
US9216094B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2015-12-22 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable spinal interbody fusion device and inserter
US9925067B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2018-03-27 Spine Wave, Inc. Device for expanding and supporting body tissue
US10682244B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2020-06-16 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding body tissue
US9107766B1 (en) 2014-03-06 2015-08-18 Spine Wave, Inc. Expandable spinal interbody fusion device and inserter
US10045861B2 (en) 2014-03-06 2018-08-14 Spine Wave, Inc. Inserter for expanding body tissue
US11076860B2 (en) 2014-03-31 2021-08-03 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm occlusion device
US11154302B2 (en) 2014-03-31 2021-10-26 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm occlusion device
US10201375B2 (en) 2014-05-28 2019-02-12 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Lateral mass fixation system
US11058466B2 (en) 2014-05-28 2021-07-13 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Lateral mass fixation system
US8900304B1 (en) * 2014-06-17 2014-12-02 Abdulrazzaq Alobaid Kyphoplasty cement encapsulation balloon
US10639132B2 (en) * 2014-09-12 2020-05-05 Italo Lozada Dental prosthesis
US20160074141A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-17 Italo Lozada Dental Prosthesis
US11638649B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2023-05-02 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US11633287B2 (en) 2014-11-04 2023-04-25 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis
US11576793B2 (en) 2015-09-01 2023-02-14 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Implantable nuclear prosthesis
US10575967B2 (en) 2015-09-01 2020-03-03 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Implantable nuclear prosthesis
US10682243B2 (en) 2015-10-13 2020-06-16 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal joint implant delivery device and system
USD841165S1 (en) 2015-10-13 2019-02-19 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
USD884895S1 (en) 2015-10-13 2020-05-19 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
US11173046B2 (en) 2016-04-07 2021-11-16 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Surgical insertion instruments
US10285825B2 (en) * 2016-04-07 2019-05-14 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Surgical insertion instruments
US20170290680A1 (en) * 2016-04-07 2017-10-12 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Surgical insertion instruments
US11065039B2 (en) 2016-06-28 2021-07-20 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal implant and methods of using the same
USD887552S1 (en) 2016-07-01 2020-06-16 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
US11890020B2 (en) 2017-02-23 2024-02-06 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular aneurysm treatment device with varying coatings
US11672543B2 (en) 2017-02-23 2023-06-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm method and system
US11083597B2 (en) 2017-09-15 2021-08-10 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Instruments for expandable interbody implants
US11833062B2 (en) 2017-09-15 2023-12-05 Howmedica Osteonics Corp. Instruments for expandable interbody implants
US11813172B2 (en) 2018-01-04 2023-11-14 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Facet screw and delivery device
US11419733B2 (en) 2018-01-12 2022-08-23 Percheron Spine, Llc Spinal disc implant and device and method for percutaneous delivery of the spinal disc implant
US11672540B2 (en) 2018-01-24 2023-06-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US11058430B2 (en) * 2018-05-25 2021-07-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US11596412B2 (en) 2018-05-25 2023-03-07 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US10939915B2 (en) 2018-05-31 2021-03-09 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm device and delivery system
US11583288B2 (en) 2018-08-08 2023-02-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Delivery of embolic braid
US11744710B2 (en) 2018-09-04 2023-09-05 Spinal Stabilization Technologies Llc Implantable nuclear prosthesis, kits, and related methods
US11123077B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2021-09-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular device positioning and deployment system
US11076861B2 (en) * 2018-10-12 2021-08-03 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Folded aneurysm treatment device and delivery method
US11633191B2 (en) 2018-10-12 2023-04-25 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Folded aneurysm treatment device and delivery method
US11406392B2 (en) 2018-12-12 2022-08-09 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm occluding device for use with coagulating agents
US11272939B2 (en) 2018-12-18 2022-03-15 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular flow diverter for treating cerebral aneurysms
US11134953B2 (en) 2019-02-06 2021-10-05 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Adhesive cover occluding device for aneurysm treatment
US11337706B2 (en) 2019-03-27 2022-05-24 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm treatment device
USD933230S1 (en) 2019-04-15 2021-10-12 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Cervical cage
US11413046B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-08-16 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Layered braided aneurysm treatment device
US11607226B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-03-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Layered braided aneurysm treatment device with corrugations
US11672542B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-06-13 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm treatment with pushable ball segment
US11278292B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-03-22 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Inverting braided aneurysm treatment system and method
US11497504B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2022-11-15 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Aneurysm treatment with pushable implanted braid
US11583282B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-02-21 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Layered braided aneurysm treatment device
USD911525S1 (en) 2019-06-21 2021-02-23 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal cage
US11602350B2 (en) 2019-12-05 2023-03-14 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Intrasaccular inverting braid with highly flexible fill material
US11457926B2 (en) 2019-12-18 2022-10-04 DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. Implant having an intrasaccular section and intravascular section
USD945621S1 (en) 2020-02-27 2022-03-08 Providence Medical Technology, Inc. Spinal cage
CN111513890A (en) * 2020-04-24 2020-08-11 库诺夫斯私人有限公司 Nucleus pulposus prosthesis device implanted into intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus and manufacturing method and filling device thereof
WO2023029202A1 (en) * 2021-09-02 2023-03-09 江苏邦士医疗科技有限公司 Plasma electrode for bladder cancer tumor resection operation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002085263A3 (en) 2003-07-24
US20020147479A1 (en) 2002-10-10
US20020147496A1 (en) 2002-10-10
WO2002085263A2 (en) 2002-10-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20020147497A1 (en) Methods for treating spinal discs
US20040083002A1 (en) Methods for treating spinal discs
JP4703084B2 (en) Spinal therapy device
US10595884B2 (en) Methods and apparatus for treating vertebral fractures
US7014633B2 (en) Methods of performing procedures in the spine
US7758489B2 (en) Spinal disc therapy system
US6899716B2 (en) Method and apparatus for spinal augmentation
US7744599B2 (en) Articulating spinal implant
JP2005501585A (en) On-site molding and fixing system with thermal acceleration means
EP1578315A2 (en) Method and apparatus for spinal distraction and fusion
WO2002080821A1 (en) Apparatus and methods for closing openings in spinal discs
CN216702625U (en) Vertebroplasty device
CN115607255A (en) Vertebroplasty device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: INTEGRATED VASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BELEF, WILLIAM MARTIN;SALMON, STEPHEN M.;ALDRICH, WILLIAM N.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:012174/0183

Effective date: 20010907

AS Assignment

Owner name: CORE MEDICAL, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTEGRATED VASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:012787/0813

Effective date: 20020227

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION